Lockheed Martin Aims for Record F-35 Deliveries This Year

FORT WORTH, Texas — Lockheed Martin plans to assemble up to 200 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets by the end of 2025. This surge in production is driven by an unprecedented global demand that has pushed the company’s order backlog to a record $179 billion.

During the third-quarter earnings call, CEO Jim Taiclet announced that Lockheed is on track to manufacture “one plane for every working day of the year.” The company has already delivered 143 jets by the end of the third quarter, surpassing its previous annual record of 142 jets set in 2022.

If the targets are met, 2025 could become the strongest year for F-35 delivery in the past decade, reflecting a 64% increase compared to the previous year. The rise in production aligns with increased global defense spending and a growing demand for advanced military aircraft.

The F-35 program is recognized as the largest and most sophisticated fighter project in history, with over 1,200 jets currently in service worldwide. The jets are assembled primarily in Fort Worth, Texas, and come in three variants to meet the needs of different military branches and allied forces.

The aircraft is utilized by various air forces, including those of the U.S. Navy and Finland, and is considered a crucial asset for U.S. partners. Its deployment is symbolic of collective strength, with “deterrence” being a key aim of the F-35 initiative.