Pentagon and Lockheed Martin sign deal for 850 F-35 jets

The Pentagon and the American defense industry company, Lockheed Martin, have reached a ten-year agreement to supply the United States with at least 850 F-35 fighter jets.

The agreement aims to ensure a sustainable pace of production and supply of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, as well as strengthen American military capabilities.

According to the US Department of War, the agreement creates a long-term framework for the acquisition of aircraft, enabling better production planning and more efficient supply chain management.

As part of the agreement, Lockheed Martin is expected to invest at least $7 billion of its own funds in projects supporting the F-35 program, Reuters writes.

The package also includes initial spare parts, modification kits and maintenance support for the global fleet of these aircraft.

However, the implementation of the agreement depends on the relevant approvals of the US Congress and the provision of the necessary funds.

US officials say pooling purchase requests over a ten-year period will increase the Pentagon's negotiating power and help reduce costs through large-scale production.

Michael P. Duffey, undersecretary at the US Department of War, stated that the agreement is part of efforts to increase the capacities of the local defense industry and to accelerate the production of military equipment.

The F-35 is one of the US military's most advanced combat systems. It uses radar-evading technology, advanced sensors, and integrated systems for collecting and sharing data.

Through this agreement, Washington aims to ensure a more predictable supply of fighter jets and strengthen the defense industrial base at a time when the demand for military capabilities remains high.