Lockheed, Pentagon Strike Initial Deal to Produce 850 F-35 Jets
The framework covers international orders and spares, and Lockheed Martin said it aims to keep annual output at 156 aircraft.
- On Thursday, Lockheed Martin signed an initial production and sustainment agreement with the Department of Defense for 850 F-35 Lightning fighter jets over 10 years.
- This long-term arrangement, which President Donald Trump refers to as the Department of War, establishes a framework rather than a firm order, aiming to stabilize annual production at 156 aircraft.
- Lockheed Martin projects the program will support 317,000 jobs and generate approximately $79 billion in annual economic activity, with the F-35 forming 40% of the aeronautics division revenue.
- Arlington-Based Lockheed announced that international orders and initial spares are included in the agreement, as the program benefits from increased global defense spending amid ongoing conflicts.
- The F-35 Joint Program Office will work with Lockheed to finalize contract terms, pricing, and schedules, requiring multiyear authority and appropriations in the coming months.
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EADaily, 22 October 2026. In the Pentagon, they announced a framework agreement with the manufacturer Lockheed Martin, under which the SC can receive a minimum of 850 F-35 F-35 supersonic fighter jets for 10 years.
Observador
The agreement is aimed at "modernizing and strengthening" the fleet of F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft, including the provision of spare parts, modernization equipment and maintenance services.
Pentagon and Lockheed agree to produce 850 F-35 fighters Lockheed Martin has previously agreed with the Pentagon to produce and support 850 F-35s over 10 years. The company invests at least $7 billion
The Pentagon has taken steps to buy a total of 850 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin over the next 10 years, in what constitutes the longest-lasting commitment among the Trump administration's latest efforts to prepare suppliers for wartime production.The new framework agreement, announced Thursday, includes 850 F-35 Lightning II aircraft for the US military, hundreds more for international customers as well as spare parts and other equipme…
The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) has reportedly signed a framework agreement with Lockheed Martin to produce at least 850 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets over 10 years.
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