Development began in the 1990s under the joint strike fighter program, aiming to create a versatile stealth fighter. the F-35B variant, designed for short takeoff and vertical landing, first flew in 2008. Rolls-Royce developed the LiftSystem, including a lift fan and thrust vectoring, building on earlier vertical takeoff research from projects like the harrier. the aircraft entered service with the U.S. marine corps in 2015, enhancing multirole capabilities for modern warfare. | Historyinmemes