Lockheed Martin delivered 191 F‑35 Lightning II aircraft in 2025, a new program record that eclipses the 142‑aircraft milestone set in 2021. The 2025 figure follows a steady climb from 110 deliveries in 2024 and 98 in 2023, underscoring a sustained ramp‑up in production capacity.
The company’s production line now operates at a pace roughly five times faster than any other allied fighter, a speed achieved through the program’s scale, mature manufacturing processes, and the clearing of a backlog that peaked at about 110 aircraft. The backlog was largely a result of delays in the TR‑3 software upgrade, and its removal has allowed the full 2025 delivery count to materialize.
The TR‑3 upgrade that enabled the 2025 deliveries was a truncated or “improved” version; full combat certification is still pending and expected in mid‑2026. Consequently, the jets delivered in 2025 are limited to training roles until the upgrade is fully certified, a nuance that the original article omitted.
International customers expanded their fleets this year: Italy added 25 aircraft, Denmark added 16, Finland rolled out its first block, Belgium completed its first in‑country delivery, and Norway finished its deliveries. These additions, combined with the cleared backlog, contributed to the record delivery number.
Lockheed’s Joint Program Office finalized a $24.3 billion agreement for Lots 18‑19, covering 296 aircraft with deliveries slated to begin in 2026. The company also secured a $15 billion Air Vehicle Sustainment Contract that will provide annualized support through 2028, reinforcing long‑term revenue streams.
Business implications are mixed. The record deliveries signal program maturity and strong demand, but the partial TR‑3 upgrade and ongoing sustainment challenges highlight operational risks. “We are proud of the production ramp‑up and the confidence of our international partners,” said Chauncey McIntosh, VP and GM of the F‑35 program. “The backlog clearance and new lot contract confirm that the U.S. and allied air forces remain committed to the platform.” Jim Taiclet, CEO, added that the company’s focus on cost control and strategic investments will sustain profitability as the fleet expands.
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