This publication starts with a brief look back at the origins of the
F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project that eventually led to the JSF Concept Demonstration Phase (CDP) in 1996-2001 between Boeing with the X-32 and Lockheed Martin with the X-35, and the eventual awarding of the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract to Lockheed Martin. The next section then covers current developments detailing the SDD phase, engine types, the project partners' requirements, possible future customers and costs of the programme. The report goes straight up to the first power-on for the engine of the first Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) F-35B BF-1 in April 2008 prior to its maiden flight in late May/June.

The last section provide specifications of each F-35 variant (F-35A/B/C) before detailing all the major companies and known sub-contractors working on the project. Addresses of these companies are detailed at the end of the report. The publication is illustrated and includes tables and three-way graphics.