Department of War and Lockheed Martin Finalize 10-Year F-35 Framework: At Least 850 Aircraft and $7 Billion in Private Investment
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of War on October 22 said it had finalized a landmark 10-year framework agreement with Lockheed Martin to strengthen the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter fleet. The department said the agreement creates a stable, long-term procurement signal to modernize and expand America's fifth-generation tactical aircraft; execution of the agreement remains subject to Congressional authorization and appropriations.
In exchange for the decade-long commitment, Lockheed Martin will self-fund at least $7 billion in initiatives that support the F-35 program. The framework guarantees a minimum floor of 850 U.S. aircraft over the ten-year period and includes procurement of initial spare parts and modification kits, plus sustainment of the global F-35 fleet. The department described it as a major milestone for its Acquisition Transformation Strategy.
"By aligning financial incentives with actual performance, we are ensuring our warfighters are equipped with the lethal capabilities they need to fight and win," said Under Secretary of War Michael P. Duffey. Reuters reported that Lockheed aims to maintain annual F-35 production at 156 aircraft. (GSM, based on the Department of War's October 22 release)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：F-35战机飞行测试（资料图）。照片：美国空军，公共领域，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / An F-35 in flight testing (file photo). Photo: U.S. Air Force, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
