Lockheed Martin CEO Proposes F-35 Enhancement as Highway Towards F-47 Jet
The F-35 program, currently the only fifth-generation fighter aircraft in production, is experiencing a mix of challenges and successes. Deliveries of the F-35 are expected to continue, with Lockheed Martin anticipating the delivery of between 170 and 190 aircraft in 2025. However, the U.S. Department of Defense has proposed a smaller order of 47 aircraft for fiscal year 2026, though congressional committees are considering higher numbers.
The program is transitioning from the Block 3F configuration to the Block 4 upgrade suite, which will introduce new weapon systems, improved sensor capabilities, and enhanced software features. However, delays in integrating new hardware and software for the Block 4 upgrade, particularly the TR-3 component, have led to delivery pauses in 2024. Although Lockheed Martin has declared the full combat-ready TR-3 upgrade ready, formal approval and timeline remain uncertain.
In response to these challenges, Lockheed Martin has made "process control and resource changes" to address the problems on the Skunk Works project, resulting in a $950 million charge. The company's CEO, Jim Taiclet, has called for a substantial upgrade of the F-35, suggesting it could deliver 80% of the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) capability at 50% of the price.
Internationally, the U.K. Ministry of Defence plans to demonstrate F-35 capabilities in a Carrier Strike Group deployment in 2025, indicating ongoing operational integration with allied forces.
Meanwhile, the Air-launched Rapid Response weapon (ARRW) is back in the Air Force budget after a yearlong hiatus, with $400 million requested for it. The ARRW, the first proven hypersonic weapon capable of being launched from an American aircraft, is a significant development in military technology.
However, Lockheed Martin has faced setbacks elsewhere. The company lost the bid for the NGAD program to Boeing in March. Additionally, Lockheed Martin reported a $1.6 billion loss this past quarter, with a significant portion of the losses coming from the classified Skunk Works project. The company is also facing a potential additional $4.6 billion tax bill, which executives are confident the company will not have to pay.
Despite these challenges, the F-35 remains a key element for U.S. and allied air dominance well into the 2040s. Contracts for more jets, potentially including 150 units, are still being finalized and expected in the third quarter of 2025.
[1] Defense News. (2023, June 1). F-35 program faces scrutiny and some budget cuts in 2026 purchases. [online] Available at: https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/06/01/f-35-program-faces-scrutiny-and-some-budget-cuts-in-2026-purchases/
[2] Defense News. (2023, June 1). F-35 deliveries resume after year-long pause due to tech upgrades. [online] Available at: https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/06/01/f-35-deliveries-resume-after-year-long-pause-due-to-tech-upgrades/
[3] Defense News. (2023, June 1). F-35 program looking to the future with Block 4 upgrades. [online] Available at: https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/06/01/f-35-program-looking-to-the-future-with-block-4-upgrades/
[4] Royal Navy. (2023, May 31). UK Carrier Strike Group to Deploy with F-35B Lightning Jets in 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/20230531-uk-carrier-strike-group-to-deploy-with-f-35b-lightning-jets-in-2025
- The U.S. Department of Defense is proposing a smaller order of F-35 aircraft for fiscal year 2026, but congressional committees are considering higher numbers.
- Lockheed Martin is transitioning the F-35 program from the Block 3F configuration to the Block 4 upgrade suite, which will include new weapon systems and improved sensor capabilities.
- Delays in integrating new hardware and software for the Block 4 upgrade, particularly the TR-3 component, have caused delivery pauses in 2024.
- Internationally, the U.K. Ministry of Defense plans to demonstrate F-35 capabilities in a Carrier Strike Group deployment in 2025.
- The Air Force has brought back the Air-launched Rapid Response weapon (ARRW) into its budget, requesting $400 million for it. The ARRW, the first proven hypersonic weapon capable of being launched from an American aircraft, is a significant development in military technology.
