Pentagon, Lockheed unveil 10-year F-35 framework for 850 US fighters
A US Air Force F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter.(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)
New Delhi: The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin announced a preliminary framework on Thursday to supply at least 850 F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to the US military over the next decade. The arrangement also encompasses international customers and long-term maintenance support, but does not constitute a final procurement contract.
Covering production Lots 21-30, the framework targets a steady output of 156 aircraft annually across the programme. It includes initial spare parts, modification kits and 10 years of sustainment, with Lockheed committing at least $7 billion of its own funds to associated initiatives.
The F-35 uses advanced stealth technology to reduce its detectability by enemy radar systems. The aircraft is central to Lockheed Martin’s aeronautics division, which accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the company’s quarterly revenue, making the programme a major contributor to its defence business.
Rather than negotiating production terms annually, the Pentagon aims to establish predictable demand, allowing manufacturers to purchase materials in bulk, expand facilities and strengthen supplier capacity. Lockheed expects the arrangement to reduce costs and ease component shortages, although these benefits remain projections.
The US undersecretary of defence, Michael Duffey, said: “We have fundamentally changed how we stabilize the American defense industrial base to produce at speed and scale. 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.”
Lockheed estimates the programme will support 317,000 US jobs and generate nearly $79 billion in annual economic activity over the coming decade.
The announcement comes amid continuing concerns over aircraft availability and maintenance costs. A June report by the US government accountability office found that the F-35 fleet’s mission-capable rate declined from 67 per cent in fiscal 2021 to 44 per cent in fiscal 2025, while full mission capability fell from 38 to 25 per cent.
The watchdog also identified spare-parts shortages and supplier-capacity constraints, estimating that a separate sustainment overhaul would cost $13.7 billion more than previously planned through fiscal 2031.
Aircraft deliveries have previously faced delays linked to technology refresh 3 upgrades, while the broader Block 4 modernization remains behind schedule.
Lockheed delivered a record 191 aircraft in 2025, including jets held back during earlier upgrade delays. The company also raised its 2026 sales forecast to $80 billion–$82 billion on Thursday following stronger third-quarter results.
More than 1,375 F-35s are fielded worldwide, according to Lockheed Martin, making reliable spare-parts supplies and maintenance arrangements important for American and allied air forces. The stealth fighter has three variants, the F-35A, F-35B and F-35C, designed for conventional runways, short take-offs and aircraft-carrier operations respectively.
The framework could improve support for international operators but does not announce new aircraft orders for individual countries.
Final pricing and delivery schedules remain unresolved. The F-35 joint program office and Lockheed Martin must secure the necessary multiyear procurement authority and congressional funding before completing a formal contract award.
