In a major step forward for the global stealth fighter program, Lockheed Martin has signed an agreement with the F-35 Joint Program Office to produce and deliver nearly 300 new F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The deal, covering production lots 18 and 19, will support deliveries beginning in 2026 to the US services, allied partners, and foreign military customers.
The contract expands the F-35’s already considerable footprint, with the fighter jet currently operated by over a dozen nations. European countries such as Germany, Denmark, and Poland are among the latest to integrate the aircraft into their fleets, further strengthening NATO’s collective defense posture.
The F-35 Lightning II is fielded in three specialized versions. The F-35A, a conventional takeoff and landing model, is widely flown by the US Air Force and allied air forces. The F-35B provides short takeoff and vertical landing capability, enabling flexible deployment from amphibious assault ships and forward bases, and is flown by the UK, Italy, and the US Marine Corps. The F-35C, the carrier variant, supports the US Navy with catapult launches and arrested landings, becoming the service’s first operational stealth jet.
Built for flexibility and power, the F-35 features a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine delivering unmatched thrust and performance. The fighter’s specifications include a 70,000-pound maximum takeoff weight, speeds of up to Mach 1.6, and an internal fuel capacity exceeding 18,000 pounds. With stealth architecture, advanced avionics, and the ability to carry both internal and external payloads, the F-35 is positioned as a cornerstone of next-generation air warfare, capable of executing missions ranging from air dominance to precision strike.
