Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has passed a historic milestone in the F-35 Lightning II program. In 2025, the company delivered 191 F-35 aircraft, surpassing by a wide margin the previous annual delivery record of 142 aircraft. This performance was recorded as the most successful production and delivery year in the history of the F-35 programme.
The annual production tempo of the F-35 is five times faster than that of other fighter aircraft produced among allied countries. This pace clearly demonstrates both the scale and the operational maturity of the programme.
One Million Flight Hours and the Most Advanced Software
The record year followed shortly after the programme exceeded 1 million flight hours earlier in the year. Throughout 2025, with the completion of the TR-3 modernisation, the programme team delivered the most advanced F-35 software to date. At the same time, the global F-35 fleet, consisting of approximately 1,300 aircraft and continuing to grow, was actively supported.
Performance Proven in Real Combat
In 2025, the F-35 Lightning II also demonstrated its effectiveness in real-world combat operations. Key operational achievements under the programme included:
- Playing a critical role in suppressing Iranian air defence elements during Operation Midnight Hammer,
- US Marine Corps F-35Bs completing approximately 5,000 accident-free flight hours during their deployment,
- The destruction of Russian unmanned aerial vehicles in Polish airspace, marking the first time NATO F-35s engaged in direct combat with threats in allied airspace.
Global Demand Increases, Fleets Expand
In line with rising global demand, customers reinforced their confidence in the F-35 through fleet expansion decisions. Italy expanded its programme with an order for 25 new F-35s, while Denmark ordered 16 additional aircraft.
International customers also reached significant milestones across the programme:
- Finland unveiled its first F-35 aircraft,
- Belgium welcomed the first F-35 delivered to the country,
- Norway completed all deliveries for its F-35 fleet.
Historic USD 24 Billion Production Agreement
In September, a final agreement worth USD 24 billion was signed between the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and Lockheed Martin, covering the production and delivery of up to 296 F-35 aircraft under Lots 18 and 19. This contract stood out as one of the largest production agreements in the history of the programme.
The parties also reached an agreement on an Aircraft Sustainment Contract covering annual maintenance activities to support F-35 operations in 2025 and beyond.
“We Are Committed to Delivering the Latest Technology to Warfighters”
Chauncey McIntosh, Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 Lightning II Programme, made the following statement regarding the achievement:
“We are extremely proud of the F-35 programme for meeting its production commitments, delivering outstanding performance and expanding our global partnerships in 2025. As our warfighters continue to use the F-35 to protect the interests of the United States and its allies, we remain committed to providing them with the most advanced technology capable of defeating any threat.”
