Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Pentagon, Lockheed Martin seal major F-35 fighter jet procurement deal
The US Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin have announced a substantial contract covering the supply of 850 F-35 aircraft over a decade-long period. The agreement aims to provide Washington with a stable and cost-effective approach to maintaining its advanced fighter capabilities.
LSN Malaysia ·
The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have unveiled plans for a major defence procurement agreement that would deliver 850 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets over the next ten years, pending congressional approval. The arrangement is designed to streamline production schedules and enhance cost predictability for one of the world's most advanced combat aircraft programmes.
According to Lockheed Martin, the deal would establish a "predictable, affordable and resilient" framework for the F-35 programme, which has become a cornerstone of air force capabilities across multiple nations. The structured approach is intended to reduce per-unit costs through sustained manufacturing operations and supply chain efficiencies.
The F-35, developed as a multi-role stealth fighter, has been adopted by numerous countries including several regional partners. The long-term production commitment is expected to strengthen industrial capacity and maintain technological superiority in advanced fighter aircraft development.
US Congress must still ratify the agreement before it takes effect. Defence analysts suggest the deal reflects Washington's commitment to modernizing its military fleet while managing defence expenditures through extended procurement arrangements. The contract is expected to support significant employment across Lockheed Martin's production facilities and supplier networks.