Lockheed Martin delivers record 191 F-35s in 2025 amid rising global demand

Lockheed Martin says it delivered 191 F-35 Lightning II fighters in 2025, the highest annual total in the program’s history, as more countries move to expand or introduce the fifth-generation jet into their air forces. 

According to the manufacturer, annual F-35 production is now running at a pace around five times higher than any other allied fighter currently in production. The global fleet has grown to almost 1,300 aircraft and passed one million cumulative flight hours in 2025, with the company also reporting completion of the latest Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) hardware and software baseline across the program. 

Record output and growing demand 

Lockheed Martin’s 2025 figures mark a sharp step up from previous years, supported by new production and sustainment agreements with the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO). 

In September 2025, the JPO and Lockheed Martin finalized contracts for Lots 18 and 19 covering the production and delivery of up to 296 aircraft, with a total value of around $24 billion. A separate Air Vehicle Sustainment Contract was also agreed, intended to support annualized sustainment activities across the F-35 enterprise from 2025 onward. 

The company says 12 nations now operate the F-35, and it expects the global fleet to continue growing as additional orders convert into deliveries. 

Combat operations shape program narrative 

In its January 7, 2026, statement, Lockheed Martin emphasized what it described as the F-35’s “continued” combat performance through 2025, pointing to three recent operational examples. 

The first was Operation Midnight Hammer, a US-led strike against Iranian targets in June 2025, during which F-35s were used to suppress air defenses and support long-range strike assets. 

The second involved a US Marine Corps F-35B deployment that logged nearly 5,000 mishap-free flight hours, which the company highlighted as an example of high-tempo, expeditionary operations. 

The third case cited was the interception and destruction of Russian drones over Poland by NATO F-35s, described by Lockheed Martin as the first time alliance-operated F-35s have engaged airborne threats in NATO airspace. 

European customers reach key milestones 

Several European air forces and governments also recorded notable F-35 milestones in 2025. 

Italy and Denmark increased their programs of record, adding 25 and 16 aircraft, respectively, to their planned fleets. Finland celebrated the rollout of its first F-35A in Fort Worth in December 2025, marking the start of a program to replace its F/A-18 Hornet fleet with 64 jets. 

Belgium took delivery of its first in-country F-35 at Florennes Air Base, while Norway completed deliveries of its F-35 fleet, reaching the total agreed under its original program of record. 

In the Middle East, the F-35’s footprint could expand beyond Israel. In late 2025, the United States signaled its intention to proceed with an F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia, a move that would mark a significant shift in regional force structures if finalized. 

At the same time, Switzerland has decided to reduce its planned F-35A fleet below the original 36 aircraft after US cost increases pushed the program beyond the budget approved in a national referendum. 

Canada has also been re-examining the long-term industrial participation terms and total ownership costs associated with the aircraft as it finalizes its procurement and budget planning. In both cases, the governments remain committed to the F-35, but the details, including quantity, schedule, and offsets, have become politically sensitive variables. 

Sustainment and affordability remain central issues 

While 2025 marked a record delivery year for the F-35, the program’s long-term affordability and sustainment performance remain central concerns for operators and auditors. 

US oversight bodies have repeatedly warned about rising sustainment costs and availability shortfalls for the US fleet, with aircraft readiness rates falling below service targets in recent years. International operators are closely watching efforts by the JPO, Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney to reduce lifecycle costs and improve spare parts and maintenance support as fleets grow. 

Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program head, Chauncey McIntosh, said he was “immensely proud” of the enterprise for “delivering on our production commitments, performing with excellence and growing our global partnerships in 2025,” and pledged to continue integrating new technology into the aircraft. The post Lockheed Martin delivers record 191 F-35s in 2025 amid rising global demand appeared first on AeroTime.

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