Lockheed boasts record 191 F-35 deliveries in 2025
The delivery total greatly exceeds a previous record of 142, boosted by a backlog of undelivered jets that had to be held in storage.
Air Force needs hundreds more fighters, service says
A congressionally mandated review of the Air Force’s fighter force obtained by Breaking Defense finds that as many as 1,558 combat-ready jets are needed to fulfill global obligations, requiring greater procurement of aircraft like the F-15EX and F-35.
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Lockheed, Pentagon finalize deal for 296 F-35s
The $24.3 billion deal covers 148 aircraft each in production lots 18 and 19, closing out negotiations that have stretched since 2023.
F-35 Lot 18 ‘price increase’ due to inflation, rising raw material cost: Pentagon
The rising costs have led to a row between Switzerland and the US, as Bern faces a $610 million increase for its order of 36 F-35As, a defense official told Breaking Defense.
Lockheed CEO says firm in ‘very active’ talks with DoD on ‘Ferrari’ F-35 with sixth-gen tech
Jim Taiclet first announced what he then called a “Ferrari” version of the F-35 in April, just weeks after Lockheed lost out on the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance contract to Boeing.
Switzerland weighs cuts to F-35 order amid cost dispute, tariff pressure
The Swiss government says it is still committed to buying the F-35 stealth fighter, though Defense Minister Martin Pfister reportedly said that Bern may end up buying fewer of the jets due to a cost increase.
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US Navy F-35C crashes in California, pilot ejects safely
The carrier-capable F-35C crashed near Naval Air Station Lemoore in central California Wednesday evening, according to a US Navy spokesperson.
Non-operators of F-35 interested in hosting local maintenance for jet: Lockheed exec
Michael Williamson, president of Lockheed Martin International, said non-operators of the F-35 have inquired about building "facilities and repair parts so another F-35 can land at their air bases, be repaired, and fly out.”
Masiello takes over as new F-35 program lead
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Greg Masiello will now head the massive F-35 enterprise as outgoing program chief Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt retires.
National Guard adds F-15EXs, F-35s to $2.4B unfunded wish list for FY26
Additional F-15EXs are needed by Guard squadrons in Oregon, California and Louisiana, the unfunded requirements document states.
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Lockheed believes it has finished F-35 TR-3 upgrade, executive says
Although a single combat capability remains to be validated by the US government, “we believe we have reached that point” where an upgrade known as TR-3 can officially support combat capabilities for the Joint Strike Fighter, said Lockheed executive J.R. McDonald.
EXCLUSIVE: Eyeing risk of radar ‘delays,’ Lockheed proposes new F-35 fuselage design
A letter from Lockheed Martin's CEO to the Air Force, obtained by Breaking Defense, warns of "risks" to radar delivery schedule, raising questions about future lots.
Trump wants a twin-engined F-35. Experts say it’s ‘not feasible.’
“We're going to do an F-55,” President Donald Trump announced today in Doha. “That'll be two engines and a super upgrade on the F-35.”
Union workers strike at Pratt & Whitney plant where F-35 engine is made
Pratt & Whitney said in a statement that it has “contingency plans in place to maintain operations and meet our customer commitments” and has no “immediate” plans to resume negotiations with the union.