F-35 Soars to New Heights: Record Deliveries and Ongoing Triumphs in 2025
Lockheed Martin Achieves Record F-35 Deliveries in 2025
In an unprecedented milestone for the F-35 Lightning II program, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) successfully delivered 191 F-35 aircraft in 2025, breaking the previous record of 142 jets. This remarkable achievement emphasizes the program’s growth and operational success.
The annual production rate now stands at a staggering pace, five times faster than any other allied fighter currently in production, showcasing the F-35 program’s maturity and scale.
This significant delivery milestone followed the program’s accomplishment of reaching one million flight hours earlier this year. Furthermore, the introduction of the most advanced software to date, marked by the completion of TR-3, has sustained a global fleet of nearly 1,300 F-35s and counting.
Notably, the F-35 has demonstrated its capabilities in real-world combat operations, including:
- Significantly contributing to air defense suppression during Operation Midnight Hammer in Iran;
- Achieving nearly 5,000 mishap-free flight hours throughout a successful U.S. Marine Corps F-35B deployment;
- Effectively neutralizing Russian drones over Poland, representing the first engagement of NATO F-35s against threats in allied airspace.
Expanding Global Interest in the F-35
Growing global demand is evident as customers have shown continued confidence in increasing their F-35 fleet sizes. Italy and Denmark have added 25 and 16 aircraft to their respective fleets. Significant milestones have also been achieved globally:
- Finland celebrated the rollout of its inaugural F-35.
- Belgium welcomed its first aircraft to the country.
- Norway successfully completed the delivery of its entire F-35 fleet.
In September, the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and Lockheed Martin finalized agreements for Lots 18-19, overseeing the production and delivery of up to 296 F-35s valued at $24 billion. This landmark contract represents the largest in the program’s history. Additionally, the JPO and Lockheed Martin confirmed an Air Vehicle Sustainment Contract, ensuring ongoing support for annualized sustainment activities across the F-35 enterprise well beyond 2025.
“I take immense pride in what the F-35 team has accomplished in delivering on our production commitments, showcasing excellence, and enhancing global partnerships in 2025,” stated Chauncey McIntosh, Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 Lightning II Program. “As our warfighters utilize the F-35 to safeguard the interests of America and its allies, we remain dedicated to delivering the latest technology to defeat any threat.”
