The execute order is given. The two orbiting pilots fly across the border and point their F-35A Lightning IIs toward a high-value target in enemy territory. Because of the objective’s urban location, minimizing both collateral damage and noncombatant casualties is a priority.

The New Front Office
A Whole New View For Joint Strike Fighter Pilots
By John Kent

With stealth, fully integrated avionics, advanced sensor fusion, and a dizzying array of interoperability and data-exchange requirements, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter represents more revolution than evolution. Nowhere are the advances in this multirole combat fighter more starkly illustrated than in the cockpit.

The first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter met the world to fanfare worthy of a rock star as more than 1,300 employees, dignitaries, partners, and guests witnessed the unveiling at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, on 7 July. Thousands more fans around the world viewed the unveiling via satellite.