The US Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin have agreed a 10-year framework covering at least 850 US F-35 Lightning II aircraft, alongside international orders, spares, upgrades and sustainment. The arrangement covers production Lots 21 through 30 while maintaining output at 156 aircraft annually, and requires Lockheed to self-fund at least $7 billion in initiatives supporting the programme.
The framework includes initial spares, 10 years of modification kits and sustainment, and orders for international customers. It is intended to provide a more predictable production base and support long-term pricing and volume discounts, although neither side has disclosed a potential total contract value.
The arrangement is not yet a production contract or a finalized order. It requires congressional authorization for multiyear procurement and corresponding appropriations. If those approvals are secured, the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin will negotiate final contract terms, prices and delivery schedules.
Lockheed estimates that the framework could support about 317,000 US jobs and generate nearly $79 billion in annual economic activity over the next decade. The aircraft commitment remains contingent on congressional approval, funding and subsequent contract negotiations.