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U.S. Keeps F-35 Fighter Jet Production at 156 Aircraft as Global Demand Stays Strong

Lockheed Martin will maintain F-35 Lightning II production at 156 aircraft per year, citing sustained demand from the United States and international customers. The decision reinforces confidence in the fighter program despite uncertainty surrounding the final U.S. defense budget. During its second quarter 2026 earnings presentation, Lockheed Martin said the Department of Defense's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes funding for 85 F-35 fighter jets for the U.S. military, with the remaining aircraft in the annual production plan destined for foreign military sales and partner nations. Although Congress has not yet finalized appropriations, the company said global demand remains strong enough to support the current manufacturing rate over the long term. Read more. 

With more than 1,340 aircraft delivered and over twenty operators or customers across Europe, North America, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region, the F-35 has become the largest Western fighter aircraft program currently in service. (Picture source: US DoD)



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