Pentagon, Lockheed Martin Reach 10-Year Deal for 850 F-35 Fighter Jets

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have reached a 10-year framework agreement covering at least 850 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets for the U.S. military, with the defense contractor committing at least $7 billion of its own capital to strengthen aircraft production, supply chains and fleet readiness.

The agreement establishes a long-term procurement framework intended to provide greater stability for American defense manufacturers while lowering production costs through larger, more predictable aircraft orders.

The arrangement remains subject to congressional authorization and funding. Final contract terms, including aircraft pricing and delivery schedules, have not been established.

Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin would maintain production of approximately 156 F-35 aircraft annually for U.S. and international customers. The framework covers production lots 21 through 30 and includes initial spare parts, modification kits and long-term maintenance support for the global fleet.

“We have fundamentally changed how we stabilize the American defense industrial base to produce at speed and scale,” said Michael P. Duffey, under secretary of war for acquisition and sustainment. “This agreement with Lockheed Martin proves it. By aligning financial incentives with actual performance, we are ensuring our warfighters are equipped with the lethal capabilities they need to fight and win.”

The proposed arrangement would give Lockheed Martin and its suppliers greater certainty about future military aircraft purchases, allowing companies to invest in manufacturing equipment, workforce expansion and production capacity without relying exclusively on annual procurement decisions.

In exchange for the government’s long-term purchasing commitment, Lockheed Martin would fund at least $7 billion in initiatives supporting the F-35 program.

The investment is intended to address production bottlenecks, strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and improve the availability of replacement parts needed to keep aircraft operational.

The F-35 is the Pentagon’s principal fifth-generation stealth fighter, serving the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, as well as numerous allied militaries.

More than 1,375 F-35 aircraft have been fielded worldwide, with the global fleet exceeding one million flight hours.

The aircraft program is a major component of Lockheed Martin’s business and supports an extensive network of American manufacturers, technology suppliers and defense contractors.

The proposed procurement framework will support an extensive domestic supply chain. Its advocates say consolidated purchasing and long-term visibility could lower costs, although savings have not yet been established through final contract pricing.

The agreement also addresses concerns about F-35 maintenance costs and aircraft availability. Defense officials have identified shortages of replacement parts, maintenance challenges and supply-chain limitations as obstacles to improving fleet readiness.

The proposed framework would increase investment in spare parts, logistics and maintenance capacity while allowing manufacturers to plan production requirements further in advance.

For the Pentagon, the agreement represents part of a broader acquisition strategy aimed at accelerating weapons production and strengthening domestic defense manufacturing.

Congress must authorize the multiyear purchasing arrangement and provide the necessary funding before the framework can become a binding production contract. If approved, the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin will negotiate final pricing, delivery schedules and contractual requirements.

By: Montana Newsroom wire