Lockheed Martin CEO says F-35 framework backs decade of production and 850 U.S. jets

Lockheed Martin says its F-35 procurement framework provides a path to 850 US aircraft over ten years, with allied purchases supporting an overall production rate of 156 fighters annually. Management described the arrangement as covering production, sustainment and modernization, using longer commitments and revised pricing to support supplier investment and manufacturing predictability. The company also plans to pool parts purchases across new-build and sustainment requirements and encourage investment in testing capacity for upgrades. Executives continued to describe a potential ten-year contract, while Lot 20 negotiations remained underway and the company's forecast assumed the next production award in 2027.