The Department of Defense finalized Lockheed Martin's F-35 production for Lots 18 and 19 with a $12.5 billion contract modification. Combined value across the 296 fighter jets in those two lots: $24.3 billion. Deliveries begin in 2026 and complete by August 2028. Coverage from Air & Space Forces Magazine and GovCon Wire.
Plus an April 2026 test-aircraft award
Separately, Lockheed received a $177.5M contract modification on April 23, 2026 for three new F-35 flight-science aircraft — one per variant (CTOL, CV, STOVL). Work spans seven locations across the U.S., U.K., and Denmark, completing by April 2031.
Subcontract implications
Lots 18-19 means another 296 sets of subsystems flowing through the F-35 supply chain over 24 months. Tier-2 and tier-3 firms supplying composites, electronics, propulsion components, weapons-bay systems, and ground support should expect throughput pressure through 2028. The $6.6B F135 engine contract definitizes the propulsion side of these same lots.
What to do
- Existing F-35 supply-chain firms: confirm throughput commitments through Q4 2027
- Adjacent firms: Canadian fighter procurement remains in play (Lockheed positioning F-35 vs. Saab Gripen) — international supply chain implications follow
- Watch Pentagon's three-test-jet order — one per variant signals ongoing program development