>> the military plans to buy about 2500 of these jets over the next couple of decades to replace its aging fleet of f-16, f-18 hornet's. the f35b, which has the ability to take off from a very short runway and land vertically on a ship or a small pad. they are easy to fly according to pilots. they can be armed with bombs, missiles, and 25-meter cannons. the biggest advance is in the 21st century electronics. a series of cameras and sensors woven together to allow unprecedented situational awareness. >> i'm a big fan. i've been lucky to fly some f-18 hornet's during different tours in my career. this jet is by far in a different league. >> then there are the helmets which cost of $400,000 each.