Summary and Key Points: The F-35 Lightning II became a key asset for the U.S. Armed Forces and its allies after winning the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) competition against Boeing's X-32 in the 1990s.
-The JSF aimed to streamline air power with a multi-role fighter for the U.S. and its allies, replacing the need for multiple specialized aircraft.
-Boeing's X-32, noted for its cost-efficient design and unique appearance, ultimately lost due to less favorable performance during flight tests.