The US Department of War and Lockheed Martin have reached a framework agreement covering production of at least 850 F-35 Lightning II fighters for the US armed forces over 10 years. Unveiled in Arlington, Virginia, the plan covers production Lots 21 to 30 and international customer orders while maintaining a combined output of 156 aircraft annually.
The framework also includes initial spare parts, modification kits for 10 years and sustainment for the global F-35 fleet. Lockheed Martin would fund at least $7 billion in initiatives supporting the programme, while long-term purchasing and volume discounts are intended to improve supply-chain predictability and reduce costs.
The arrangement is not yet a purchase order or a fully funded multiyear contract. It requires congressional authorisation and the necessary appropriations. Once those approvals are secured, the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin are expected to finalise pricing, contractual terms and schedules through a formal award.
The total value of the framework and the planned split between the F-35A, F-35B and F-35C variants have not been disclosed.