Lockheed Martin leads global military jet sales but Boeing secures key next-generation contracts

Historically, both companies have alternated leadership in military aviation: Boeing’s portfolio includes notable aircraft like the F-15 and C-17 (formerly McDonnell Douglas), while Lockheed has produced models such as the F-16 and F-22 before achieving current success with the F-35.

The balance of power is shaped by factors including aircraft portfolio breadth, defense contract frequency and size, global partnerships, technological innovation (such as stealth technology and drones), and performance in delivering complex projects on schedule and within budget.

While Lockheed dominates exports and interoperability through widespread adoption of its fighter jets by NATO allies and other partners—including European countries like Italy and Poland as well as Asian allies such as Japan and South Korea—Boeing holds long-term stakes across a variety of mission profiles vital to US Air Force modernization efforts. This includes continued investment by countries like Japan and Australia in Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft.

Procurement decisions by governments consider cost management over an aircraft’s lifecycle, alignment with operational needs (from stealth fighters to tankers), and alliance politics—particularly compatibility with US-led coalitions. While Lockheed benefits from large-scale contracts for advanced fighters, Boeing’s diverse offerings ensure it remains integral to operations ranging from aerial refueling to heavy airlift.

European competitors such as Airbus (with its A330 MRTT tanker), Dassault (Rafale), and Saab (Gripen) remain active but do not match the scale or export footprint of either US giant. For example, Dassault’s Rafale has seen over 250 export units sold globally—mainly to India, Egypt, Greece, UAE, Indonesia, and Qatar—but this number is eclipsed by more than 800 exported Lockheed Martin F-35s across major Western allies.

Both American firms face risks. The US Government Accountability Office has raised concerns about high sustainment costs for Lockheed’s F-35 fleet that could challenge defense budgets if partners reconsider affordability. “If a critical mass of partners pauses or scales back purchases,” notes one analysis in reference to these issues, “Lockheed’s airpower monopoly could face cracks.”

Boeing confronts technical challenges related to past delays with its KC-46 Pegasus tanker program as well as reliance on modernized versions of older fourth-generation fighters while air forces increasingly seek stealth capabilities. Although winning NGAD offers Boeing a chance at renewed leadership with a sixth-generation fighter platform for future conflicts—and potentially cutting-edge technologies—it remains uncertain whether this will translate into broad export success comparable to that achieved by Lockheed's F-35.

In summary: “So, who is winning the military aircraft battle in 2025? The short answer: Lockheed Martin. Its F-35 program continues to dominate both US and allied procurement.” However, Boeing remains essential for missions involving tankers, maritime patrols, transports, and sustaining existing fleets—a role that ensures operational flexibility for US forces now and into future generations of combat aviation.