850 F-35s planned for the US military
The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have concluded a framework agreement providing for the production and maintenance of at least 850 F-35 fighters for the US armed forces over a ten-year period. Implementation of the program requires the consent and funding allocation of Congress.
850 F-35s are being planned for the US military
According to DW, the agreement was signed on October 22. Along with the production of aircraft, it includes the supply of spare parts and modernization kits, as well as maintenance for the F-35 fleet.
Under the terms of the agreement, Lockheed Martin will invest at least $7 billion in the development of the F-35 program.
The company plans to maintain a total production volume of 156 aircraft per year for American and foreign customers. This figure is not limited to the 850 aircraft intended solely for the US armed forces, but also includes international orders.
For now, this document is not a final delivery contract. If Congress approves the multi-year procurement program, the parties will need to agree on prices, delivery schedules, and other terms later.
According to the Pentagon's assessment, the long-term agreement will help expand production capacity and strengthen the US defense industry.
Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet emphasized that the government's long-term commitments would allow the company to invest in production and supply chains.
The F-35 is a joint project of the US and several allied nations. According to the manufacturer, more than 1,375 aircraft of this type are in operation worldwide. The new agreement also covers international orders.
The AFP agency noted that interest in these fighters remains abroad as well. In September, the US approved the sale of 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion.
Turkey, which was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russian S-400 air defense systems, had also previously expressed hope for the restoration of the opportunity to acquire these aircraft.