The American company Lockheed Martin intends to sign a contract for the production of two batches of fighters
What is known
Lockheed Martin is negotiating with the Unitedprogram office (Joint Program Office) on the conclusion of a contract for the production of the 18th and 19th batches of F-35 fighters. Greg Ulmer said the deal could be done before the end of 2023.
The number of fighters is not specified, but speechIt's about hundreds of planes. At the same time, Greg Ulmer emphasized that the contract will support Lockheed Martin's goal of delivering 156 fighter jets annually starting in 2025.
US Department of Defense last yearbegan to prepare for the production of the 18th batch. The Pentagon in December signed a contract worth about $1 billion with Lockheed Martin for the purchase of parts with a long delivery time for the 18th batch.
In addition, at the end of 2022, Lockheed Martin andThe Pentagon agreed to produce up to 398 fighter jets for up to $30 billion. The deal includes the 15th and 16th batches and an option for the 17th batch. Whether the new agreement will provide for an option for the 20th batch has not yet been specified.