Lockheed Martin Accelerates F-35 Production: Secretary of War’s Visit Highlights Record Jet Deliveries and Expanding U.S. Supply Chain
Record 191 F-35s Delivered in 2025—A New Production Benchmark
Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth F-35 facility recently played host to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, whose visit underscored a pivotal milestone: in 2025, the aerospace leader delivered a record 191 F-35 fighter jets, the most in a single year to date. This achievement amplifies Lockheed Martin’s dominant role in the advanced fighter market and signals further progress in meeting the pressing needs of U.S. and allied forces worldwide.
U.S. Supplier Network and Small Business Involvement Sets LMT Apart
The F-35’s scale is powered by a massive U.S. supplier network—more than 1,900 companies nationwide, with over half classified as small businesses. This extensive collaboration not only strengthens the American manufacturing base but also positions Lockheed Martin at the center of a robust, resilient defense ecosystem. The program’s supply chain breadth is a unique advantage, with the annual production pace now running five times faster than any other allied fighter in the market.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025 F-35 Deliveries (Record) | 191 |
| Active Suppliers Nationwide | 1,900+ |
| Supplier Network Small Business Share | 50%+ |
| Operational F-35 Jets Worldwide | 1,290+ |
| Global Bases Operating F-35s | 50 |
| Nations Flying F-35s at Home | 11 |
| Flight Hours Surpassed (2025) | 1,000,000+ |
Major Framework Agreement Signals Growth in Defense Portfolio
Beyond jet production, Lockheed Martin announced a fast-track framework agreement with the Department of War to expand production and delivery of PAC-3® Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors. This move marks the first tangible step in the Acquisition Transformation Strategy, aligning with Pentagon priorities and opening new revenue opportunities within missile defense.
Leadership Voices Confidence in Company’s Mission and Workforce
Company executives—including Chairman and CEO Jim Taiclet—highlighted Lockheed Martin’s commitment to both innovation and efficiency. The visit from Secretary Hegseth offered direct recognition for the workforce’s contributions, further reinforcing the company’s spirit and drive to meet record-setting production goals. In his remarks, Secretary Hegseth emphasized the national security stakes: “We can’t deter the next conflict without the skills and capabilities you have.”
F-35’s Global Reach and Operational Maturity Stand Out
The F-35 program’s momentum isn’t just felt in the U.S. Over 1,290 jets are in active service, spanning 50 bases across 11 nations. The platform has surpassed 1 million flight hours, a testament to its operational reliability and growing relevance as adversaries field more advanced capabilities. The jet’s decisive role in recent military engagements highlights its value in ensuring air superiority for years to come.
What’s Next for Lockheed Martin?
With renewed government partnerships and unrivaled scale in the fighter jet market, Lockheed Martin is positioned for sustained growth. Investors and industry watchers will be tracking the next wave of production volume and contract wins—particularly around missile defense and emerging technology platforms. The ongoing transformation strategy offers further upside for a company already delivering at record pace.
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