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F35 Dominance With Lockheed Martin Supplies Jets Across All US Forces.
On December 20, 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense signed a contract with Lockheed Martin to produce and deliver 145 fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets. Valued at $11.76 billion, this agreement underscores the program’s continued role in modernizing U.S. military capabilities and strengthening allied defense partnerships.
The F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team performs at the Atlanta Airshow in Peachtree City, Georgia, on October 25, 2024 (Picture source: US DoD)
The contract provides for the delivery of 83 new F-35s to the U.S. military, including 48 F-35A aircraft for the Air Force, 16 F-35B and 5 F-35C jets for the Marine Corps, and 14 F-35C aircraft for the Navy. In addition, 62 jets are allocated for international customers, including 15 F-35A and one F-35B for non-U.S. program partners, as well as 39 F-35A and 7 F-35B aircraft for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) clients.
The F-35 program encompasses three variants tailored to specific mission requirements. The F-35A, a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) model, is designed to replace aging F-16 and A-10 fleets in the Air Force. Capable of Mach 1.6, enduring 9G forces, and traveling over 1,350 nautical miles with aerial refueling, it combines multirole versatility with a payload capacity of 18,000 pounds, supporting both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.
The F-35B introduces short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, making it ideal for austere environments or smaller ships. Equipped with the LiftFan propulsion system, it accommodates up to 15,000 pounds of payload, including a 25mm GAU-22A cannon.
The F-35C, engineered for carrier-based operations, features reinforced wings and landing gear for catapult launches and arrested recoveries, with a payload capacity of 18,000 pounds and a range of 2,520 kilometers. Each variant is equipped with advanced avionics, including the Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), providing superior situational awareness and operational flexibility.
Production will be distributed across facilities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, with key contributions from Fort Worth, Texas; El Segundo, California; and Warton, UK. Final assembly and testing will also take place in Italy and Japan. The program’s completion is expected by June 2027.
The announcement comes amid ongoing criticisms of the F-35 program, including remarks from SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk, who has questioned the design and practicality of the jet. While the program faces scrutiny, the F-35 remains integral to U.S. defense strategy, offering advanced stealth, network-centric capabilities, and adaptability for a range of combat scenarios. Its design promotes interoperability with allied forces, enhancing battlefield coordination and precision strike capabilities.
The F-35 program also highlights the value of international defense collaboration. Countries like Italy and Japan contribute not only to its operational deployment but also to its production, reflecting a cooperative model that bolsters global security frameworks while optimizing development resources.
Looking forward, the U.S. Air Force is preparing for a transition to next-generation combat systems. The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program aims to deliver 200 sixth-generation fighters by 2030, alongside 1,000 autonomous aircraft under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiative. These unmanned systems are intended to complement NGAD platforms and existing F-35 fleets, enhancing operational flexibility and addressing evolving threats.
This contract enhances the operational readiness of the U.S. military, ensuring its ability to maintain air superiority in complex threat environments. The distinct capabilities of the F-35 variants enable the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps to execute a wide array of missions with precision and efficiency. By integrating advanced avionics, stealth technology, and networked systems, the program solidifies its position as a cornerstone of U.S. and allied defense strategy, while paving the way for future innovations in aerial combat.