Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office have reached a significant milestone by finalizing an agreement for the production and delivery of up to 296 F-35 Lightning II aircraft. This procurement is part of lots 18 and 19 and marks a crucial expansion in the F-35 program, with deliveries expected to commence in 2026. The agreement encompasses aircraft intended for various branches of the U.S. military, as well as international partners and foreign military sales customers.
The F-35 Lightning II is notable for its multirole stealth capabilities and is available in several variants optimized for different operational contexts. Among these, the F-35A is designed for conventional takeoff and landing operations, making it ideal for deployment on standard runways. This variant is widely utilized by the U.S. Air Force and allied nations.
The F-35B variant is particularly versatile, featuring short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, which allow it to operate from limited and improvised landing surfaces as well as naval vessels. This variant is currently in service with the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as partners like the United Kingdom and Italy.
Designed specifically for carrier operations, the F-35C variant is equipped for catapult launches and arrested landings, serving exclusively with the U.S. Navy. It represents the first stealth fighter in the Navy’s inventory, adding a new level of operational capability to naval aviation.
In terms of specifications, the F-35 Lightning II is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine, generating an impressive thrust of up to 43,000 pounds (19,500 kilograms). Its design includes a wingspan of 35 feet (10.7 meters) and a length of 51 feet (15.7 meters), with a height of 14 feet (4.3 meters). The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 70,000 pounds (31,750 kilograms) and can carry 18,498 pounds (8,390 kilograms) of internal fuel, along with a maximum payload capacity of up to 18,000 pounds (8,160 kilograms).
Performance-wise, the F-35 can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.6, equivalent to approximately 1,200 miles per hour (1,930 kilometers per hour), and boasts a flight range exceeding 1,350 miles (2,175 kilometers) with internal fuel. This range can be further enhanced through aerial refueling, making it a formidable aircraft for various missions. Designed for single-pilot operation, the F-35 can accommodate weaponry both internally and externally, depending on mission requirements.
This agreement signals Lockheed Martin’s continued commitment to advancing and expanding the F-35 global fleet, which already includes operations in over a dozen countries, including Germany, Denmark, and Poland. The production increase not only enhances the capabilities of allied forces but also strengthens the strategic partnerships among nations utilizing this advanced fighter aircraft.
