Lockheed Martin to Deliver 200 F-35 Jets in 2025 Amid Record Demand
Lockheed Martin is poised to deliver 200 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets by the end of 2025. This ambitious goal aligns with an unprecedented demand for advanced military aircraft.
Record Backlog Fuels Production Increase
The company’s production capacity has surged in response to a staggering order backlog that reached $179 billion. During the third-quarter earnings call, CEO Jim Taiclet announced plans to produce one F-35 jet for every working day of the year.
Previous Milestones Achieved
By the end of the third quarter, Lockheed had successfully delivered 143 jets, exceeding their 2022 record of 142 jets. If the 200 jet target is met, this year could represent the company’s strongest performance for F-35 deliveries of the decade, reflecting a significant 64% increase compared to 2023.
Global Demand for Advanced Fighter Jets
The surge in production is indicative of rising global defense spending. The F-35 program, heralded as the largest and most advanced fighter aircraft initiative in history, currently has over 1,200 jets operational worldwide.
- Built primarily in Fort Worth, Texas
- Available in three variants for military and allied forces
- Adopted by air forces, including those of the U.S. Navy and Finland
Strategic Importance of the F-35
The F-35 has become an essential asset for U.S. allies. Its use is tied to notions of collective strength and deterrence, emphasizing the program’s critical role in international defense cooperation.
