F-35 production rebounds to record 191 deliveries in 2025 after Lockheed Martin clears TR-3 backlog, but software and supplier risks remain

Lockheed Martin delivered a record 191 F-35s in 2025, surpassing the program’s previous annual high after clearing aircraft held during the Technology Refresh 3 delivery pause. The rebound reduced a major backlog and pushed the global fleet toward 1,300 aircraft, while follow-on lots covering as many as 296 jets underscore continuing demand. Software stability, supplier performance and delayed Block 4 capabilities nevertheless remain material schedule risks, so the production milestone does not eliminate the technical and industrial pressures affecting future deliveries across its multinational customer base.