The stealth fighter jet \u2014 expected to be in production for decades as technology upgrades and improvements continue \u2014 has been described as a bridge to the new F-47 aircraft that Boeing will provide for the military\u2019s Next Generation Air Dominance Program. Team members completed its technology refresh to almost 1,300 aircraft worldwide in 2025, officials said.<\/p>\n
Lockheed Martin sales<\/p>\n
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.’s production milestone follows other notable F-35 achievements in 2025, including the program reaching 1 million flight hours.<\/p>\n
Lockheed Martin Corp. recorded $18.6 million in sales for the third quarter of 2025, a nearly 9% increase from $17.1 million noted for the same period in 2024, according to earning results posted in October.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The aeronautics division also increased its sales to $7.2 million compared to $6.4 million in the third quarter of 2024.<\/p>\n
Officials said F-35 foreign customers \u201cdisplayed continued confidence\u201d in the program as Italy and Denmark added 25 and 16 aircraft to their respective fleets. In addition, F-35 deliveries were completed to Norway while Belgium welcomed its first in-country aircraft.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/20251216_105716-1024x768.jpg\")
Maj. Gen. Timo Herranen, commander of the Finnish air force, gets his picture taken in front of the country\u2019s first F-35A jet. (Eric E. Garcia | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n
On Dec. 16, the first F-35 jet for Finland<\/a> was debuted in a ceremony at the company\u2019s Fort Worth facility.<\/p>\n Lockheed Martin Corp. CEO Jim Taiclet previously said that more orders for F-35s were expected<\/a> although the Department of Defense lowered its order to 47 aircraft for the 2026 budget.<\/p>\n In September, Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office finalized a $24 billion agreement of Lots 18-19 that calls for the production and delivery of 296 F-35 jets \u2014 one of the largest production contracts in program history. Another agreement supports sustainment activities across the F-35 program beyond 2025.<\/p>\n Currently, a total of 12 nations use nearly 1,300 aircraft. Officials said the F-35 has proven its performance in combat operations, including suppressing Iranian air defense during Operation Midnight Hammer and eliminating Russian drones over Poland\u2019s airspace.<\/p>\n McIntosh said the F-35 program excelled in 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m immensely proud of the F-35 enterprise for delivering on our production commitments, performing with excellence and growing our global partnerships in 2025,\u201d he said. \u201cAs our warfighters continue to employ the F-35 to protect the interests of America and our allies around the world, we\u2019re committed to continuing to push the latest technology into the hands of the warfighter to defeat any threat.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric E. Garcia is senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n