Lockheed Martin And Pentagon Reach Initial Deal For 850 F-35 Jets

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have reached an initial 10-year framework agreement establishing a minimum procurement target of 850 F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters for the US military.

The proposed deal covers production Lots 21 through 30, with manufacturing targeted at up to 156 aircraft annually. It also encompasses international orders, spare parts, modification kits and long-term global support.

Pentagon acquisition officials said the framework aims to replace annual contract negotiations with longer-term planning, potentially lowering per-aircraft costs and linking financial incentives more closely to performance.

However, the arrangement is not yet a finalized procurement contract. It remains subject to congressional approval, authorization and annual funding allocations before binding orders can be executed.

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Pentagon eyes biggest-ever F-35 deal with plans to buy at least 850 more jets https://t.co/NGVtW081hk

— The Straits Times (@straits_times) October 22, 2026

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff