The U.S. Plans To Produce At Least 850 F-35 Fighter Jets

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have signed a framework agreement.

On Thursday, October 22, the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin signed a framework agreement calling for the production and maintenance of at least 850 F-35 fighter jets for the U.S. military over the next ten years. Implementation of the agreement will require congressional approval and funding, according to DW.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lockheed Martin will invest at least $7 billion in the development of the F-35 program. The agreement covers not only aircraft production but also the supply of spare parts, modernization kits, and maintenance for the F-35 fleet.

The company expects to maintain production at a rate of 156 aircraft per year for U.S. and foreign customers. However, this does not yet constitute a final supply contract: if Congress approves the multi-year procurement program, the parties will need to further negotiate prices, timelines, and other terms.

According to the Pentagon’s assessment, the agreement should help expand production capacity and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base. Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet, in turn, noted that long-term commitments from the government will allow the company to invest in manufacturing and supply chains.

The F-35 is a joint project between the U.S. and several of its allies. According to the manufacturer, more than 1,375 aircraft of this type are in service worldwide. The agreement also covers international orders for the F-35.

Interest in these fighter jets remains strong abroad, according to AFP. In September, the U.S. approved the sale of 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion. Previously, Turkey—which was excluded from the program in 2019 after purchasing Russian S-400 systems—had expressed hope of regaining access to these aircraft.

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