850 F-35 Jets: America Redraws Its Air Power Map

The "Pentagon" and "Lockheed Martin" announced on Thursday a ten-year agreement to produce 850 "F-35" fighter jets.

This "framework agreement," which the "Pentagon" stated would contribute to "modernizing and expanding" the "F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter" program, still requires Congressional approval and the provision of necessary funding.

The "F-35" aircraft, a joint project between the United States and several of its allies, is one of the most advanced military aircraft in the world. According to "Lockheed Martin," more than 1,375 fighters of this model are deployed at various locations around the globe.

"Lockheed Martin" noted that the deal, if approved, will provide Washington with a "predictable, affordable, and flexible" program for its fighters, highlighting expected savings of billions of dollars thanks to "long-term pricing and volume-based discounts in this sector."

In return, the company will fund projects worth $7 billion to support "F-35" aircraft, in exchange for a ten-year commitment from the "Pentagon," according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Michael Duffey, the official responsible for acquisition operations at the "Pentagon," said in a statement issued by the department: "We have fundamentally changed the way we strengthen the American defense industrial base, enabling rapid and large-scale production."

He added: "By aligning financial incentives with actual performance, we ensure our warfighters receive the lethal capabilities they need to fight and win."

"Lockheed Martin" pledged to produce the fighter jets at a rate of 156 aircraft per year.

According to Reuters, Lockheed and its counterparts in the United States have benefited from increased global defense spending amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

The company estimates that the agreement will support 317,000 jobs in the United States and generate nearly $79 billion in annual economic activity over the next decade.

It also expects this arrangement to reduce production costs and alleviate supply chain constraints from raw materials to final parts.