[Llarry]

Since the F-35 looks to be the future Free World standard, maybe it's time for a bit deeper dive into the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

The F-35 is designed to be a stealth fighter on day one of a war, and once air superiority has been established, it can turn into a "bomb truck" with a heavy weapons load (that is not stealthy).

Most nations have opted for the F-35A conventional fighter as first used by the U.S. Air Force; this requires runways to operate. Only the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operate the carrier-capable F-35C version which takes off from aircraft carriers using catapults and lands back aboard using arresting gear. There are a number of nations that have opted for the F-35B STOVL version as first used by the U.S. Marine Corps:
-- The UK buy is all F-35Bs for both the RAF and the RN Fleet Air Arm
-- Italy is buying both F-35As and F-35Bs; The plan is to use the F-35Bs from the Italian Navy's small carriers.
-- Japan is likewise buying both A and B versions, planning to use the F-35B from their small carriers.
-- Singapore has ordered a dozen F-35Bs (which would be just a very small squadron) in order to evaluate the type; a further larger order may come later after evaluation to replace the F-16.

The F-35 is not a one-trick pony -- it has a number of advantages:
-- Stealth when only the internal weapons bays are used -- the F-35A and F-35C can carry two 2,000 lb bombs and two air-to-air missiles internally; the F-35B has somewhat smaller bays and can only accommodate two 1,000 lb bombs and two AAMs.
-- Heavy external weapons-carrying capability when stealth is not required -- see attached photos.
-- Large fuel capacity
-- Advanced radar and visual systems

Edit: Here's a photo showing why the STOVL (or VTOL) F-35B weapons bays are smaller. Note that the jet tailpipe rotates to the downward position and doors open for the lift fan at the front behind the nose gear.