F-35 Map Shows Who Is Buying US Stealth Fighter Jets [Video]

America’s most controversial warplane, the F-35 Lightning II, is back in the spotlight as several allies reevaluate their purchases amid shifting politics and budgetary pressures.

A Newsweek map shows which nations are operating or have placed orders for the fifth-generation stealth jet.

Who Has the F-35

The United States remains the program’s anchor customer, with over 600 aircraft across three variants: the Air Force’s F-35A, the Marine Corps’ short takeoff and vertical landing F-35B and the F-35Cs kept onboard Navy aircraft carriers.

Among U.S. allies, Japan is set to become the second-largest operator, with 147 jets, including 42 F-35Bs expected to deploy aboard its modified Izumo-class helicopter destroyers—effectively transforming them into aircraft carriers. The move is part of Tokyo’s broader defense buildup to counter China’s regional ambitions.

South Korea is expanding its current fleet of 40 F-35As to 60, while Australia has already taken delivery of all 72 jets it ordered.

Israel remains the only …