ALBAWABA — The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have unveiled a framework covering 850 F-35 fighter jets for the US military over a decade, seeking to secure long-term production of the stealth aircraft.
Announced on October 22, the arrangement combines aircraft procurement with spare parts, upgrades and maintenance, while incorporating international orders. It envisages maintaining total production at 156 aircraft annually.
But the announcement is not a finalized order for 850 jets. Congress must provide multiyear purchasing authority and funding before officials can complete negotiations on prices, delivery schedules and contract terms.
The broader ambition is to change how Washington buys and supports its fighter fleet: give suppliers predictable demand for years, allowing them to purchase materials in bulk and invest in capacity.
Lockheed argues that this approach could reduce supply bottlenecks, accelerate repairs and save taxpayers billions over the aircraft’s lifetime. Those savings remain projections, rather than demonstrated results.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 US signs deal with Lockheed Martin to produce at least 850 F-35 jets. https://t.co/uQ4bfxqNee
Neither side disclosed an overall price for the proposed arrangement, AFP reported.
Lockheed chief executive Jim Taiclet said the announcement reinforces the aircraft’s position as the “free world’s key frontline fighter for years ahead.”
The framework signals a decade-long commitment to the F-35 program, with its final financial scale and delivery obligations still awaiting approval and negotiation.
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