Lockheed Martin delivers 43 F-35 Lightning II fighters in Q3, accounting for most of its 72 aircraft handovers

Lockheed Martin delivered 43 F-35 Lightning II fighters during the third quarter of 2026, accounting for most of its 72 aircraft handovers across all programs. The delivery count covers accepted combat aircraft transferred to US and international customers as the company continues F-35 manufacturing, modernization and sustainment activity. Quarterly delivery figures measure completed handovers, rather than the value of new orders or the number of aircraft built but awaiting acceptance. The F-35 total reflects progress in existing contracted production lots and supports expansion of operator fleets across the aircraft's three variants.