# Lockheed Martin F-35 program developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lockheed-martin-f-35-program-developments
> Updated: 2026-10-22T06:00:51.000Z. Sources: 40. Developments: 2.

Lockheed Martin has entered into a significant agreement with the US Department of Defense for the production and maintenance of 850 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets over the next decade. This deal aims to sustain an annual production rate of 156 aircraft and covers international orders, spare parts, and modification kits. The program is expected to generate substantial economic activity and support hundreds of thousands of jobs in the US.

Under a preliminary 10-year framework agreement, Lockheed Martin has committed to self-funding at least $7 billion in initiatives to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and strengthen supply chain resilience. This framework is intended to stabilize the defense industrial base by providing long-term procurement visibility, which aims to lower unit costs through economies of scale and volume discounts. While the agreement serves as a long-term procurement strategy, final contract terms and pricing remain subject to formal awards following congressional multiyear authority and appropriations.

The company estimates the arrangement will support 317,000 U.S. jobs and generate nearly $79 billion in annual economic activity over the next decade. Parallel to these production efforts, procurement records indicate that Singapore is the unidentified customer behind a secret US Department of Defense program to develop a customized F-35 fighter jet variant. This development effort, which began in 2021, has received over $130 million in funding, including a recent $18.8 million award to extend the program through December 2030.

## Claims

- Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Department of Defense reached a 10-year framework agreement for F-35 production and sustainment. (corroborated by 28 sources)
- The agreement covers the production of at least 850 F-35 aircraft over 10 years. (corroborated by 27 sources)
- Final contract terms are subject to Congressional authorization and appropriations. (corroborated by 26 sources)
- The production rate is intended to be maintained at 156 aircraft per year. (corroborated by 24 sources)
- Lockheed Martin will self-fund at least $7 billion in initiatives to support the F-35 program. (corroborated by 22 sources)
- The agreement is expected to support 317,000 U.S. jobs. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The agreement will generate nearly $79 billion in annual economic activity. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Lockheed Martin's third-quarter sales rose 11% to $20.7 billion. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Lockheed Martin and Pentagon reach F-35 framework agreement

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have signed a 10-year framework agreement to produce at least 850 F-35 stealth fighters, aiming for a steady annual production rate of 156 aircraft.

38 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lockheed-martin-secures-decade-long-f-35-production-agreement-with-us-pentagon

### 2026-10-19: Singapore linked to secret F-35 customized variant program

U.S. procurement records suggest Singapore is the secret customer for a customized F-35 fighter jet variant being developed by Lockheed Martin under a multi-year, $130 million defense contract.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/singapore-linked-to-secret-f-35-customized-variant-program

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Cite as: Lockheed Martin F-35 program developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lockheed-martin-f-35-program-developments