Lockheed Martin resumes F-16 deliveries after technical redesign

Lockheed Martin has resumed deliveries of F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets following a technical redesign and additional flight testing. The resumption follows a period of disruption where a new variant failed to meet technical expectations, leading to a production slowdown.

During the second quarter of 2026, the company delivered two F-16 aircraft. Management reported a backlog of 119 Block 70/72 fighters and expects 2026 delivery volumes to exceed those of the previous year. The program currently supports customers in seven countries and involves approximately 530 suppliers globally.

Separately, Lockheed Martin is providing a bank guarantee of up to $500 million to support United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture with Boeing. This financial support aims to stabilize the venture following flight bans on the Vulcan Centaur rocket caused by booster anomalies in late 2024 and early 2026.