Lockheed Martin and Pentagon sign initial deal for 850 F-35 jets
The US Department of Defence and Lockheed Martin announced an initial agreement on Thursday to produce at least 850 F-35 fighter jets over the next decade.
Production targets and funding
Lockheed Martin will aim to maintain annual production of 156 aircraft under this framework. The defence contractor agreed to self-fund at least $7 billion in initiatives supporting the programme. This agreement covers international orders as well as initial spares and modification kits.
Path to final contract
The deal does not constitute a formal order but serves as a prearranged long-term contract. Officials state that multi-year authority must be granted in coming months to finalise terms. A formal contract award will require congressional funding to cover projected costs.
Strategic industrial base goals
Under-Secretary of Defence Michael Duffey said the agreement stabilises the American defence industrial base. The framework aligns financial incentives with production speed and scale for the supplier. Pentagon officials noted that firm commitments help make weapons procurement more efficient.
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- Dawn
- Anadolu Agency
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