Lockheed Martin Defies Pressure to Increase F-35 Production Amid Growing Demand

Lockheed Martin has stated that it will not increase the production rate of the F-35 stealth fighter beyond its current level. The company can produce 156 F-35As annually, but has set a target of 100 F-35As by 2030. Lockheed is working with customers to address concerns about the fighter jet’s economic benefits and is exploring ways to maintain a steady supply chain. The decision comes as the US Air Force has laid out a projection for the F-35 program, which would require a significant increase in manufacturing. The company is in close cooperation with the US government and Swiss customer on the offset side of the dispute, but has not commented on the possibility of opening a second F-35 final assembly line in Europe.