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Lockheed Martin's mass production keeps F-35 fighter jet costs lower than rivals

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Lockheed Martin's mass production keeps F-35 fighter jet costs lower than rivals
Policy
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Jim Taiclet, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | Lockheed Martin Corporation

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II continues to dominate the global fighter jet market through its high production rates and relatively low per-unit costs. The F-35, which is considered the most advanced fighter jet currently in service, has seen more than 1,200 units delivered as of 2025, surpassing the output of all other non-Chinese fighter jets combined.

Production numbers for the F-35 are notably higher than its competitors. In 2024, Lockheed Martin delivered 110 F-35s, and it aims to deliver between 170 and 190 units in 2025. This output includes all three variants: the conventional F-35A, the short takeoff and vertical landing F-35B, and the carrier-capable F-35C. Some units are assembled in Japan and Italy. In contrast, French manufacturer Dassault delivered 21 Rafales in 2024, and Boeing delivered just 14 F-15s and 11 F/A-18 Super Hornets in the same year. The production line for the F/A-18 is scheduled to close in 2027 due to a lack of further orders.

Lockheed Martin’s high output has resulted in lower flyaway costs for each aircraft. The company recently finalized a deal with the US government for production Lots 18 and 19, covering 296 jets at a total value of $24.29 billion. This places the average cost per jet at $82.4 million. According to F-35.com, previous lots saw average fly-away costs of $82.5 million for the F-35A, $109 million for the F-35B, and $102.1 million for the F-35C. These prices are competitive with or lower than other advanced Western fighters such as the F-15EX, Rafale, and Eurofighter Typhoon.

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However, flyaway costs do not account for expenses related to making the aircraft combat-ready. Additional costs include spare parts, munitions, advanced systems, maintenance, infrastructure, and training. Export customers often pay more than domestic buyers or partner nations. For example, the Czech Republic paid $208.3 million per aircraft and Romania paid $225 million each.

The F-35 remains the only fifth-generation fighter exported globally, though Russia has started selling Su-57s and China may export its J-35. Most US allies or partners that require high-end fighters have chosen the F-35, with exceptions such as Sweden and France that maintain their own programs, and Portugal and Spain, which have declined purchases over political issues. Countries such as Morocco may soon be cleared to buy the jet, while others like Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia remain excluded due to US policy.

Lockheed Martin’s production advantage also creates a feedback loop: larger orders lead to greater production efficiencies, which lower costs and make the jet more attractive to buyers. Professor Justin Bronk of RUSI described this US advantage in fighter jet production as “overbearing” and “crushing.”

Dassault’s Rafale program, by comparison, has delivered only 300 airframes since its entry into service in 2001, with 233 more on order. The scale of Lockheed Martin’s program highlights a significant shift in global military aviation manufacturing capacity and export influence.

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