Washington, DC, January 9 - Lockheed Martin achieved a historic milestone in 2025 by delivering a record 191 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, surpassing the previous high of 142 aircraft and underscoring the surging global demand for this advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter. This remarkable output represents a significant leap from the 110 deliveries in 2024, driven by the resolution of prior production challenges and an accelerated pace that now positions annual F-35 production at five times the rate of any other allied fighter jet program. The F-35 Lightning II, renowned for its multirole capabilities in air superiority, strike missions, and intelligence gathering, continues to solidify its role as the cornerstone of modern aerial warfare for the United States and its international partners.
Rising geopolitical tensions and the need for cutting-edge defense technologies fueled this unprecedented production surge, with the global F-35 fleet expanding to nearly 1,300 aircraft and accumulating over one million flight hours in 2025. Key advancements included the successful integration of the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) configuration, enhancing the jet's processing power, displays, and overall combat effectiveness. Notable international milestones further highlighted the program's momentum: Finland rolled out its first F-35A, Belgium received its initial in-country aircraft, and Norway completed its full fleet deliveries, while nations like Italy and Denmark expanded their commitments by adding dozens more to their inventories.
In a major boost to future sustainability, Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office finalized the largest production contracts in the program's history, Lots 18 and 19, covering up to 296 aircraft valued at $24 billion. A separate Air Vehicle Sustainment Contract was also established to support ongoing maintenance across the enterprise starting in 2025. These agreements reflect unwavering confidence in the F-35's unmatched reliability and lethality, as demonstrated in real-world operations throughout the year.
As demand for the F-35 fighter jet continues to grow among allied nations seeking superior air dominance, Lockheed Martin's record-breaking 2025 deliveries signal a new era of scaled production and technological leadership. With 12 countries now operating the platform and more poised to join, the F-35 Lightning II remains indispensable to global security, poised for sustained growth in the years ahead.
