The U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin announced on October 22, 2026 a ten‑year framework covering at least 850 F‑35 Lightning II fighter jets for the U.S. military.
The arrangement is not yet a production contract; it still requires congressional authorization for multiyear procurement and the associated funding before the parties can finalize terms.
Under the framework Lockheed Martin will self‑fund at least $7 billion in initiatives supporting the F‑35 program, according to the Pentagon announcement.
The company stated that the arrangement spans production Lots 21 through 30, including initial spare parts, 10 years of modification kits and sustainment, and orders from international customers, with total production remaining at 156 aircraft per year.
The previous finalized production agreement covering 296 F‑35s across Lots 18 and 19 was signed on September 29, 2025 for a combined $24.3 billion. Both the House and Senate versions of the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act include provisions for multiyear F‑35 procurement, although the legislation has yet to become law.
