The contract ensures the production of at least 850 fifth-generation fighters for U.S. forces
The U.S. Department of War and Lockheed Martin have signed a 10-year framework agreement to modernize and expand the F-35 Lightning II fighter fleet. The project involves attracting $7 billion in private investment into production capabilities. This was reported by U.S. Department of Defense, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The agreement is designed to stabilize the American defense industrial base, allowing for increased production speeds and volumes of aircraft. The execution of these arrangements remains subject to receiving necessary authorizations and budget appropriations from the U.S. Congress.
According to Deputy Secretary of War Michael P. Duffey, this contract demonstrates a new approach to strengthening industrial capacity by aligning financial incentives with performance metrics. This model ensures that warfighters are equipped with the necessary capabilities to accomplish their missions.
This partnership marks a key milestone in the Department of War’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which is based on long-term planning and private capital involvement. Lockheed Martin has committed to self-funding at least $7 billion in initiatives to support the F-35 program over the next decade.
The document guarantees a minimum floor of 850 aircraft for U.S. needs. In addition to the direct supply of aircraft, the agreement covers the procurement of spare parts, modification kits, and general sustainment for the global F-35 fleet.
Integrating hardware requirements across the entire supply chain allows for cost optimization and the realization of economies of scale. Stable government procurement is intended to serve as a foundation for upgrading fifth-generation fighters and maintaining national security.
Illustrative photo: Andy Wolfe / Public domain
Read also: Pentagon signs agreements with Boeing and RTX to boost air defence missile production
