Lockheed Martin has drawn another $700.4 million in U.S. Navy funding to proceed with procurement of long-lead material, parts, and components for Lots 20 and 21 of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. This is the sixth modification to an original, 2024 contract scheduled to run through May 2031, and with a full value projected at $9.51 billion.
The Pentagon anticipates production of 65 jets for Lot 20 and 133 for Lot 21. Lot 20 production is not due to begin until 2027, for deliveries during 2027 and 2028. Lot 21 production would follow.
The F-35 is a series of fighter jets deployed for ground attack and combat, and available in three variants – for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and for the defense forces of more than a dozen other nations.
This modification specifies funds for procuring long lead material, parts, and components in support of Lots 20 and 21 F-35A aircraft for Denmark. The Danish government originally ordered 27 F-35A fighter jets to update its fleet of F-16s, and in 2025 it expanded its commitment to a total of 43 F-35s.
The contract modification provides funding for F-35 aircraft for F-35 program partners and foreign military customers.
Lots 20 and 21 will incorporate the various hardware and software updates planned as part of the F-35 Block 4 update – which will introduce more than 80 improved capabilities meant to keep the F-35 competitive against emerging threats, including improved sensors, sensor fusion, and expanded weapon capabilities. The current stage of the process is referred to as the Technology Refresh 3, which involves new data processors and expanded memory for enhanced mission processing, targeting, navigation, and communications.
