EXCLUSIVE: Pentagon, Lockheed weigh multi-year F-35 production, sustainment deal
One source familiar with the negotiations expressed doubt that Lockheed "can successfully propose something that demonstrates long-term cost savings."
Aussie defense chief confirms missing F-35 parts, says none are ‘sensitive’
After parts reportedly made their way to Hong Kong, a Lockheed Martin spokesperson told Breaking Defense that the missing components “are unserviceable and deemed low risk for exploitation."
The Army’s Digital Transformation
AI is reshaping the Army’s approach to cyber, electronic warfare and command and control. At TechNet Augusta 2026, leaders outlined how they’re turning emerging technology into capabilities for the battlefield.
US clears $24B F-35 sale for Saudi Arabia
The approval comes a year after President Donald Trump announced Riyadh would be permitted to buy the highly advanced stealth fighters, though lawmakers could still block the sale.
F-35 costs jump in latest production lots
Compared to recent contracts, the average flyaway cost of an F-35A and F-35B rose by over 11 percent, while the price of an F-35C climbed over 8 percent, according to figures supplied by the F-35 Joint Program Office.
F-35 lifetime price tag dips beneath $2 trillion even as buying costs rise
The Defense Department anticipates it will spend an additional $51 billion to acquire the stealth fighter, though revised estimates have pulled the program’s total cost beneath $2 trillion, according to a recent Pentagon report.
Multiyear buys for F-35, F-15EX? Sen. Budd hopeful airpower bills added to NDAA
The North Carolina lawmaker has sponsored a trio of bills aimed at boosting fighter jet inventory and retaining pilots.
presented by
Bombardier Defense, your trusted, mission-focused partner
A commitment to long-term operational value.
EXCLUSIVE: US poised to accept new F-35s without radars, sources say
Rep. Rob Wittman told Breaking Defense that while he expected issues with the new APG-85 radar to eventually be resolved, in the interim the US military will be left with “lots of aircraft out there, but not ones that are ready to go to the fight.”
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.
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.
presented by
Securing the AI flank to provide trusted decision-making capabilities
AI tools are critical components of modern warfare, but must be protected to ensure they are reliable.
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.
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.