Lockheed Martin Secures $700M F-35 Production Contract for Denmark
Lockheed Martin has landed a $700.4 million contract modification to fund production of F-35 aircraft for Denmark and international partners. This agreement, announced on March 10, 2026, focuses on long-lead materials for Lots 20 and 21 of the F-35 Lightning II program. The deal highlights the growing global demand for advanced defense technology and underscores the F-35’s role in modern air forces.
Contract Breakdown and Key Details
The contract modification covers procurement of critical components for Denmark’s F-35 fleet, as well as orders from F-35 Cooperative Program Partners and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command in Maryland oversees the agreement, which uses a fixed-price incentive structure to ensure cost efficiency.
Funding comes from two sources: $305.9 million from F-35 program partners and $394.5 million from FMS customers. This split reflects the collaborative nature of the F-35 program, which involves 11 international partners and multiple export markets.
Work Distribution Across Global Sites
Production efforts will span multiple locations, with Fort Worth, Texas, handling 59% of the work. Other key sites include:
- El Segundo, California (14%)
- Warton, UK (9%)
- Cameri, Italy (4%)
- Orlando, Florida (4%)
- Nashua, New Hampshire (3%)
- Baltimore, Maryland (3%)
- San Diego, California (2%)
These locations reflect the F-35 program’s global supply chain, leveraging expertise from multiple countries to meet production demands.
Recent Developments in F-35 Production
This contract follows a $132.9 million award for flight test support services, covering maintenance and testing for U.S. military branches and international partners. Lockheed Martin also finalized agreements for Lots 18 and 19 in September 2024, securing production of 296 F-35s.
In 2025, the company delivered 191 F-35s—surpassing its previous annual record of 142 aircraft. The F-35’s production rate is now five times higher than any other allied fighter platform, a testament to the program’s efficiency and scale.
Why This Matters for Global Defense
The F-35 program remains a cornerstone of modern airpower. Its stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, and interoperability make it a strategic asset for allies like Denmark. The contract also supports thousands of jobs across the U.S. and partner nations, reinforcing economic ties through defense collaboration.
Conclusion: The Future of F-35 Production
With this $700.4 million contract, Lockheed Martin continues to solidify its leadership in next-generation fighter production. The agreement ensures Denmark and other partners receive cutting-edge aircraft while maintaining cost discipline. As the F-35 program enters its next phase, expect further innovations in stealth technology and global deployment strategies.
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