The Pentagon has established a ten-year framework with Lockheed Martin to procure at least 850 F-35 stealth fighters. This initiative aims to enhance production capabilities, fortify the supply chain, and address ongoing issues related to aircraft readiness. The agreement was disclosed on October 22 and is pending congressional approval and funding.

Included in the deal are provisions for spare parts, modification kits, and sustainment support. Lockheed Martin has committed to investing at least $7 billion of its own funds to bolster the programme. The framework sets an annual target of 85 aircraft for US forces over the next decade, aligning with the Pentagon’s fiscal 2027 procurement request.

The planned production rate is set at 156 aircraft annually, which also accommodates orders from international clients, underscoring the global significance of the F-35 programme. According to estimates from Reuters, the total value of the ten-year framework is projected to be at least $78.2 billion, based on the unit price of the F-35A, which stands at $92 million, making it the least expensive variant among the three models.

Current Challenges with F-35 Fleet

The US military is currently facing challenges in maintaining its existing F-35 fleet. A report from the Government Accountability Office, published in June, revealed a decline in the aircraft’s mission-capable rate, which fell from 67 per cent in fiscal 2021 to 44 per cent in fiscal 2025. Additionally, the percentage of time the jets could execute all assigned missions dropped from 38 per cent to 25 per cent during the same timeframe.

Lockheed Martin anticipates that consistent orders for spare parts and maintenance support will help mitigate repair delays and enhance aircraft availability. This expectation is crucial as the military seeks to improve operational readiness amidst existing challenges.

The varying costs of the F-35 models also contribute to the complexities of the agreement. The US Marine Corps’ F-35B is priced at approximately $121 million per aircraft, while the US Navy’s F-35C costs around $110 million. The final contract value will likely fluctuate based on the mix of aircraft variants ordered, as well as anticipated increases in inflation and labour costs, as reported by Reuters.

Future Plans for US Air Force Fleet

The US Air Force has set an ambitious goal to develop a fleet of 1,509 combat-coded fighter aircraft by 2035. The F-35A is projected to become the largest component of this fleet as the service modernises its combat aviation capabilities. This target was detailed in a force structure report submitted to Congress on October 16, 2026.

According to the outlined plan, the F-35A is expected to represent approximately 40 per cent of the total fleet. The F-22 Raptor and its anticipated successor, the F-47, will collectively account for around 20 per cent. The remaining 40 per cent will consist of various F-15 and F-16 variants.

In addition to these fighter aircraft, the Air Force plans to introduce 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, which are envisioned as autonomous drone wingmen, by 2032. These drones are not included in the 1,509-fighter target, although officials believe advancements in autonomous systems may influence future requirements for crewed fighters.

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