The US Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin have agreed a 10-year framework covering the production and sustainment of at least 850 F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The arrangement spans US and international requirements across production Lots 21 to 30, with Lockheed targeting an annual output of 156 jets and providing associated spares, modification kits and fleet support.
The framework is not yet a final order for 850 aircraft. It requires multi-year procurement authority and appropriations from the US Congress before the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed can conclude formal contracts covering prices, delivery schedules and other terms.
Lockheed plans to invest at least $7 billion of its own funds in F-35 production and support infrastructure. The companies expect the long-term arrangement to improve planning, strengthen supply chains and reduce unit costs through volume purchasing and sustained production.
The programme is estimated to support about 317,000 US jobs and generate nearly $79 billion in annual economic activity over the next decade. The F-35 is operated by the US armed forces and international customers, including Germany and Switzerland.