There are as many weighty opinions as there are factors when discussing the F-35 Lightning II— one of the U.S. military’s latest fifth generation stealth jets. Whether the F-35 program will prove worth its steep price tag is a controversial issue that has engrossed military media producers and the F-35’s developer, Lockheed Martin, for years, but what are the facts?

Lockheed stated the following from the F-35 website:

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th Generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Three variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighters for at least ten other countries.

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However, a report from the Defense News reality-checks how close the program is to expectations:

F-35B and F-35C pilots, compelled to observe limitations on airspeed to avoid damage to the F-35’s airframe or stealth coating. Cockpit pressure spikes that cause “excruciating” ear and sinus pain. Issues with the helmet-mounted display and night vision camera that contribute to the difficulty of landing the F-35C on an aircraft carrier.

DefenseNews.com

Though this project is unlikely to be cancelled due to tremendous cost that are being poured into its development, the F-35 series’ technical flaws may risk missions, or even pilot saftey. Nonetheless, the military remains optimistic that these flaws can still be worked out “after a decade of delays and spiraling cost overruns.“

Do you think the F-35 jet series will match its worth or fail to fly? Let us know on Facebook or in the comments below!

Also, check out these trillion dollar details about the F-35 here.