US draws up $78bn-plan for 850 F-35 jets; eyes Air Force fleet of 1,509 fighters by 2035

The Pentagon has struck a 10-year framework with Lockheed Martin for at least 850 F-35 stealth fighters, in a deal aimed at expanding production, strengthening the supply chain and addressing persistent aircraft readiness problems.According to Defense News, the agreement, announced on October 22, remains subject to congressional approval and funding. It also includes spare parts, modification kits and sustainment support, while Lockheed Martin has pledged at least $7 billion in company-funded investments to support the programme.The framework targets an average of 85 aircraft annually for US forces over the next decade, in line with the Pentagon's fiscal 2027 procurement request. The planned production rate of 156 aircraft a year, meanwhile, includes orders for international customers, reflecting the F-35 programme's global scale.Reuters estimated the 10-year framework to be worth at least $78.2 billion, based on the F-35A's $92 million unit price, the cheapest of the three variants.