The F-35 assembly line at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth has a 10-year order book in sight, though lawmakers in Washington still hold the final say.
The Defense Department, which now calls itself the Department of War, said Thursday, Oct. 22, that it had finalized a framework agreement with Lockheed Martin covering the next decade of the fighter program.
The deal sets a floor of 850 jets for the U.S. military over the 10 years and also covers initial spare parts, modification kits and upkeep of the worldwide F-35 fleet, according to the department's announcement.
In return for that long-term commitment, the department said, Lockheed will pay for at least $7 billion worth of program initiatives out of its own pocket. Its release states that carrying out the agreement depends on Congress authorizing it and appropriating the money.
"By aligning financial incentives with actual performance, we are ensuring our warfighters are equipped with the lethal capabilities they need to fight and win," Under Secretary Michael P. Duffey said in the release.
What it means for the Fort Worth plant
The Fort Worth Report, which interviewed company leaders for a story published Monday, said Lockheed expects to keep building about 156 aircraft a year. The plant turned out a record 191 jets in 2025, the Report said.
