Joint Program Office

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."

F-35 engine upgrade clears key design review, Pratt says

“It means that the design is solid. It means that we're ready to move forward from an industrial base as well,” Jill Albertelli, the president of Pratt & Whitney's military engines business, told Breaking Defense.

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.

As F-35 readiness lags, Pentagon seeks $13.7 billion boost: GAO

The F-35’s full mission capable rate fell to to 25 percent in FY25, the government watchdog found.

Pentagon awards Pratt & Whitney $6.6 billion for F-35 engines

A contract award covers engines for two upcoming batches of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production.

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.

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.

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.

Lockheed eyes two-year timeline to pick new F-35 cooling system

The company is examining “all offers that’re out on the market today to make that decision, so it’s not going to be a quick choice,” Lockheed’s F-35 program manager Chauncey McIntosh told Breaking Defense.

F-35A crashes in Alaska, pilot ejects safely

The jet was participating in a training event and crashed while coming in for landing at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska, according to Col. Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing.

Lockheed, Pentagon reach handshake deal for next 2 F-35 production lots

The so-called “handshake deal” precedes a formal contract finalization, which Lockheed expects will occur before the end of 2024.