The Pentagon today announced a 10-year framework agreement with American manufacturer Lockheed Martin for the supply of at least 850 F-35 fighters, subject to Congress approval.
© Lusa
22/10/2026
by
Lusa
O Pentagon today announced a 10-year framework agreement with American manufacturer Lockheed Martin for the supply of at least 850 F-35 fighters, subject to Congress approval.
The agreement is aimed at “modifying and strengthening” the fleet of F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft, according to a statement from the US Department of Defense.
The understanding also provides for the provision of spare parts, modernization equipment and maintenance services, also covering international orders.
Lockheed Martin intends to maintain an annual production of 156 aircraft, while the agreement states that the company will finance with own resources investments of at least seven billion dollars (about six billion euros) to support the programme.
Understanding is not yet a final order, since the terms, prices and delivery schedules will have to be negotiated after the approval of the US Congress.
The Pentagon did not disclose the overall value foreseen for the contract, which could become the largest in the history of the F-35 programme, which began about 25 years ago.
The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter, equipped with stealth technology to hinder its detection by enemy radars, and is one of the main modernisation programs of US air forces and several allied countries.
There are three versions of the device, adapted to the needs of the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marines, including models capable of operating from aircraft carriers or performing short takeoffs and vertical landings.
Despite the strategic importance, the programme has faced successive delays and cost increases, mainly related to the modernisation of electronic systems, maintenance and operational availability of aircraft.
In a report published in September 2025, the U.S. Congress monitoring body (Government Accountability Office, GAO) revealed that the costs of technological modernization known as ‘Block 4’ exceeded initial estimates and that its conclusion was delayed at least five years.
The same body reported that all 110 planes delivered by Lockheed Martin in 2024 arrived late, an average of 238 days, against 61 days the previous year.
The new agreement seeks to provide greater predictability for the production and supply chain in a context of increased demand for military equipment due to international conflicts.