The United States is set to get 850 fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets under a 10-year agreement announced by the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin on Thursday. The deal aims to expand aircraft production and strengthen the US defence industrial base, although its financial value has not been disclosed.&nbsp;The agreement, which requires congressional approval and funding, is part of the Pentagon's effort to boost weapons production through long-term contracts.&nbsp;The deal "cements (the plane's) role as the free world's key frontline fighter for years ahead," Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet said.<h3>Lockheed to invest $7 billion in F-35 programme</h3>Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will invest $7 billion in projects supporting the F-35 programme and produce 156 aircraft annually. The deal also covers initial spare parts, 10 years of modification kits and maintenance support, as well as international customer orders.&nbsp;Pentagon acquisition official Michael Duffey said the agreement would help strengthen the US defence industry.&nbsp;"We have fundamentally changed how we stabilise the American defence industrial base to produce at speed and scale," Duffey said.&nbsp;He added, "By aligning financial incentives with actual performance, we are ensuring our warfighters are equipped with the lethal capabilities they need to fight and win."&nbsp;Lockheed said the agreement could deliver billions of dollars in savings through long-term pricing and bulk discounts.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/netanyahu-dials-pm-modi-invites-him-and-capt-smit-machchhar-to-light-torch-on-israel-s-independence-day-1792677210739">Netanyahu dials PM Modi, invites him and Capt Smit Machchhar to light torch on Israel’s Independence Day</a><h3>F-35 fighter jet: Features and global demand</h3>The F-35 is a fifth-generation combat aircraft developed by the United States and several allied countries. It comes in three variants, each of which can cost more than $100 million. According to Lockheed Martin, more than 1,375 F-35s are based around the world.&nbsp;US forces have used the aircraft in combat during the US-Israeli war against Iran.&nbsp;The United States recently announced approval of a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, reflecting international interest in the aircraft.&nbsp;Turkey, which was expelled from the programme in 2019 after purchasing a Russian air defence system, has expressed confidence that it could regain access to the jets. Israel strongly opposes the move.&nbsp;Lockheed Martin said the F-35 programme would support more than 315,000 jobs and generate nearly $80 billion in economic activity over the next decade.&nbsp;"With the greater certainty that comes from the US government's transformative approach to F-35 production and sustainment, we can make the upfront investments needed to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and build a more resilient supply chain," Taiclet said.&nbsp;"That's good for the taxpayer, good for our suppliers and, most importantly, good for the United States and its allies," he added.

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have announced a 10-year framework agreement to produce 850 F-35 stealth fighter jets, with a $7 billion investment from the company to support the programme.

The United States is set to get 850 fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets under a 10-year agreement announced by the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin on Thursday. The deal aims to expand aircraft production and strengthen the US defence industrial base, although its financial value has not been disclosed. The agreement, which requires congressional approval and funding, is part of the Pentagon's effort to boost weapons production through long-term contracts. The deal "cements (the plane's) role as the free world's key frontline fighter for years ahead," Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet said. Lockheed to invest $7 billion in F-35 programme Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will invest $7 billion in projects supporting the F-35 programme and produce 156 aircraft annually. The deal also covers initial spare parts, 10 years of modification kits and maintenance support, as well as international customer orders. Pentagon acquisition official Michael Duffey said the agreement would help strengthen the US defence industry. "We have fundamentally changed how we stabilise the American defence industrial base to produce at speed and scale," Duffey said. He added, "By aligning financial incentives with actual performance, we are ensuring our warfighters are equipped with the lethal capabilities they need to fight and win." Lockheed said the agreement could deliver billions of dollars in savings through long-term pricing and bulk discounts. Also Read: Netanyahu dials PM Modi, invites him and Capt Smit Machchhar to light torch on Israel’s Independence Day F-35 fighter jet: Features and global demand The F-35 is a fifth-generation combat aircraft developed by the United States and several allied countries. It comes in three variants, each of which can cost more than $100 million. According to Lockheed Martin, more than 1,375 F-35s are based around the world. US forces have used the aircraft in combat during the US-Israeli war against Iran. The United States recently announced approval of a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, reflecting international interest in the aircraft. Turkey, which was expelled from the programme in 2019 after purchasing a Russian air defence system, has expressed confidence that it could regain access to the jets. Israel strongly opposes the move. Lockheed Martin said the F-35 programme would support more than 315,000 jobs and generate nearly $80 billion in economic activity over the next decade. "With the greater certainty that comes from the US government's transformative approach to F-35 production and sustainment, we can make the upfront investments needed to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and build a more resilient supply chain," Taiclet said. "That's good for the taxpayer, good for our suppliers and, most importantly, good for the United States and its allies," he added.

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have announced a 10-year framework agreement to produce 850 F-35 stealth fighter jets, with a $7 billion investment from the company to support the programme.

US to get 850 F-35 stealth fighter jets under 10-year Pentagon-Lockheed deal

Due to its massive 43-foot wingspan and 28,000 pounds of dry thrust, the F-35C Lightning II routinely launches from the USS Abraham Lincoln without needing fuel-heavy afterburners.


Due to its massive 43-foot wingspan and 28,000 pounds of dry thrust, the F-35C Lightning II routinely launches from the USS Abraham Lincoln without needing fuel-heavy afterburners.

‘The F-35C exception’: Why this fighter jet doesn’t need afterburners for takeoff from USS Abraham Lincoln

Flight operations are among the most complex tasks at sea, requiring coordination between pilots, deck crews and command teams to maintain a continuous cycle of missions.

Flight operations are among the most complex tasks at sea, requiring coordination between pilots, deck crews and command teams to maintain a continuous cycle of missions.

Inside the USS Abraham Lincoln: How fighter jets launch and land day and night

CVW-9 is attached to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3 and flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), and consists of eight squadrons flying F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, CMV-22B Ospreys and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks.

CVW-9 is attached to Carrier Strike Group 3 and embarked aboard Abraham Lincoln. It consists of eight squadrons operating a mix of fifth-generation fighters, electronic warfare aircraft, airborne command platforms and helicopters.

'F-35C, Growlers and Super Hornets and...': The lethal aircraft mix that makes USS Abraham Lincoln a floating air war machine!

With rising geopolitical tensions and rapid advances in AI, drones, and autonomous flight, the global military aircraft market is evolving faster than ever. 

With rising geopolitical tensions and rapid advances in AI, drones, and autonomous flight, the global military aircraft market is evolving faster than ever.&nbsp;

From F-35s to Rafales: Top 6 defence giants behind the world’s most powerful fighter jets

From the piston-engine fighters of World War II to today’s stealth jets, these aircraft have extended a nation’s reach far beyond its shores.

From the piston-engine fighters of World War II to today’s stealth jets, these aircraft have extended a nation’s reach far beyond its shores.

Top 7 aircraft carrier jets that changed naval warfare forever

f-35c-lightning-ii

F 35c Lightning Ii, News on F 35c Lightning Ii, stories on F 35c Lightning Ii, articles on F 35c Lightning Ii, F 35c Lightning Ii stories at Wion, F 35c Lightning Ii news, F 35c Lightning Ii latest news

f 35c-lightning-ii

US to get 850 F-35 stealth fighter jets under 10-year Pentagon-Lockheed deal

Why this jet doesn’t need afterburners for takeoff from USS Abraham Lincoln

Day vs night on a US Abraham Lincoln: How fighter jets launch and land

F-35C, Growlers & Hornets: What makes USS Abraham Lincoln’s air wing so lethal?

From F-35s to Rafales: Top 6 defence giants behind world’s most powerful jets

Top 7 aircraft carrier jets that changed naval warfare forever