Texas, January 13 - Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 12, 2026, highlighting the critical role of advanced fighter jet manufacturing in strengthening national defense. The visit formed part of the secretary's Arsenal of Freedom industry tour, aimed at accelerating acquisition processes and ensuring rapid delivery of cutting-edge capabilities to the warfighter. Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the F-35 program, welcomed Hegseth to the expansive site, which serves as the central hub for assembling the world's most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter. The facility employs approximately 19,000 skilled workers and supports a vast network of suppliers, contributing significantly to economic growth and technological innovation in aerospace defense.
During the tour, Secretary Hegseth walked the F-35 assembly line, observing the precision engineering and integration processes that transform components into fully operational aircraft. He met with Lockheed Martin executives to discuss ongoing efforts to streamline production and enhance efficiency. The secretary also addressed more than 600 employees, commending their dedication and expertise. This engagement underscored the administration's commitment to revitalizing the defense industrial base through faster, more accountable procurement practices while maintaining the highest standards of quality for the F-35 Lightning II.
The timing of the visit coincided with remarkable achievements in the F-35 program, including a record 191 fighter jets delivered in 2025, the highest annual output to date. These deliveries support the U.S. military and international partners, with more than 1,290 F-35s operational worldwide, and the fleet surpassing one million flight hours. Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth operation has optimized workflows to produce the aircraft at a rate five times faster than comparable allied fighters, demonstrating the program's maturity and reliability in meeting global demand for stealth, sensor fusion, and multirole combat capabilities.
The Secretary of War's tour emphasized the strategic importance of the F-35 Lightning II as a cornerstone of modern airpower and the need for continued investment in American aerospace manufacturing. By spotlighting the facility's workforce and production successes, the visit reinforced confidence in Lockheed Martin's ability to deliver next-generation defense solutions efficiently and effectively, ensuring U.S. military superiority for years to come.
