Washington, DC, December 29 - Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the F-35 Lightning II program, has secured a significant $3.6 billion contract modification from the U.S. Navy to deliver comprehensive logistics support for the global F-35 fighter fleet. This award, announced in December 2025, underscores the critical role of sustained F-35 sustainment in maintaining operational readiness for the world's most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. The contract focuses on ensuring seamless F-35 maintenance, supply chain efficiency, and training across domestic and international operators, reinforcing Lockheed Martin's position as the leader in F-35 logistics support.
The F-35 Lightning II, known for its stealth capabilities, sensor fusion, and multirole versatility, forms the backbone of modern air forces for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and numerous allied nations. Under this $3.6 billion F-35 contract, Lockheed Martin will provide essential services, including ground maintenance activities, depot-level repairs, automatic logistics information system operations, reliability enhancements, supply chain management, pilot and maintainer training, and training system sustainment. These efforts support delivered of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for U.S. services, Foreign Military Sales customers, and non-Department of Defense partners, extending through 2026 with work primarily conducted at facilities in Texas, Florida, California, and other key sites.
This latest award builds on Lockheed Martin's ongoing commitment to F-35 global sustainment, following previous modifications and highlighting the program's maturity. With nearly 1,300 F-35 aircraft delivered worldwide and over one million flight hours accumulated, the fleet's expanding footprint demands robust logistics support to achieve high mission-capable rates amid growing operational demands.
As geopolitical tensions rise, investments in F-35 fighter jet infrastructure like this $3.6 billion contract ensure the platform remains a dominant force in air superiority and integrated warfare. Lockheed Martin's expertise in F-35 maintenance and supply chain optimization continues to drive cost efficiencies and readiness, solidifying the aircraft's status as the premier choice for nations seeking advanced fifth-generation fighter capabilities. This development marks another milestone in the enduring success of the F-35 program.