By Admin 
F-35 fighter jet deal: Lockheed Martin, a US defense sector company, has obtained a major deal. The deal includes the production of about 300 f-35 fighter jets.
According to Flight Global’s report, the deal is for all three services and international customers of the United States, which will prove to be important for the US defense industry and global security capabilities.
Contract includes Lot 18 and Lot 19 jets
The agreement between the company and the F-35 Joint Program Office includes the aircraft of Lot 18 and Lot 19, and according to Lockheed Martin, the delivery of these aircraft will start from 2026. According to the US Department of Defense (earlier, which was called the Department of Defense), the deal is a total of $ 12.5 billion. A total of 296 aircraft will be included in this contract, out of which there will be 148 aircraft in each LOT.
Defense department issued a statement
The Defense Department said that the agreement finalizes the terms of production and distribution of LOT 18 and also adds the scope of production and distribution of 148 aircraft of LOT 19. In December 2024, the department announced that 83 jets of LOT 18 would be given to American military forces and 62 jets to international customers. At the same time, 69 aircraft of LOT 19 will be distributed to American military forces and 79 aircraft to international customers.
The distribution of both the lots will be distributed as follows, 210 f-35A (general take-off and landing), 52 F-35B (short tech-off and vertical landing), and 34 F-35C (Carreare Capable).
Chonsi McIntosh said this
F-35 Program Vice President and General Manager Chonsi McIntosh said that this contract is proof that F-35 is the most capable and affordable fighter aircraft in production today. He said, “We are proud to support our customers and ensure peace through strength to the role of F-35.”