Multiyear F-35 production and sustainment framework agreement signed

The Department of War and Lockheed Martin announced a multiyear framework agreement for F-35 Lightning II production covering 850 U.S. aircraft over 10 years, with associated spares and modification kits, at a rate of 156 aircraft per year, aiming to save billions in taxpayer dollars and improve fleet readiness.

Why it matters. The agreement affects U.S. defense spending, Lockheed Martin's production planning, and allied F-35 operators by establishing long-term procurement certainty, supply chain stability, and cost savings across the fleet's lifecycle.