Upgrading the F-35 Jet Now Proposed as a Stepping Stone towards the F-47 by Lockheed's CEO
Headline: F-35 Program Faces Challenges as Lockheed Martin Delivers 170-190 Jets in 2025
The F-35 program, the only fifth-generation fighter aircraft in production, is currently on track to deliver between 170 and 190 aircraft in 2025, despite the U.S. Department of Defense proposing a reduced order of 47 jets for 2026. This optimistic outlook comes as Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet renews his call for substantial upgrades to the F-35, aiming to bridge the gap towards the future F-47 aircraft.
Deliveries of the F-35 were paused for a year into mid-2024 due to issues testing the Tech Refresh 3 upgrade, a component of the planned software and hardware modernization known as Block 4. Although a fully combat-capable TR-3 has been announced by Lockheed, official Pentagon approval and clear timelines remain uncertain, causing frustration among lawmakers who have reduced planned capabilities for Block 4 due to these issues.
Lockheed Martin reported a $1.6 billion loss in Q2 2025, largely driven by a $950 million charge related to a secret Skunk Works aeronautics program. This financial hit, combined with a $570 million loss on the CH-148 Canadian Maritime Helicopter program and $95 million on the Turkish Utility Helicopter, has shaken investor confidence temporarily. However, Lockheed reaffirms its commitment to the F-35 and other advanced programs.
On the international and strategic front, the F-35 faces growing challenges. Countries such as Spain have indefinitely scrapped plans to buy the F-35, influenced by concerns over cost, software delays, mechanical issues, and the aircraft’s operational dependency on U.S. control over software updates, mission data, and maintenance. This dependence creates operational and political concerns for allied operators seeking more autonomy, spurring alternative European and indigenous fighter development programs.
In a bid to counter these challenges, Taiclet pitched the idea of a substantial F-35 upgrade, which he called a "Ferrari" upgrade. He suggests that this upgrade could deliver 80 percent of the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) capability at 50 percent of the price. The government and Lockheed Martin have announced a handshake deal for Lots 18 and 19 of the F-35, but contracts are still being finalized, with Lot 19 consisting of 150 airplanes.
Taiclet also noted that the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response weapon is back in the Air Force budget after a yearlong hiatus, with $400 million requested for it. Additionally, Lockheed Martin faces a potential additional $4.6 billion tax bill, which executives are confident the company will not have to pay. Taiclet referred to the F-35 as "combat proven" following its involvement in a recent strike on Iranian nuclear sites.
Despite these challenges, Lockheed Martin remains committed to the F-35 program, aiming to deliver steady numbers of aircraft this year while working towards substantial upgrades to keep the aircraft competitive in the ever-evolving world of aerospace technology.
[1] Lockheed Martin to deliver up to 150 F-35 jets in 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/lockheed-martin-to-deliver-up-to-150-f-35-jets-in-2025-2021-12-15/
[2] Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet Pitches 'Ferrari' Upgrade for F-35, https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2021/12/lockheed-martin-ceo-jim-taiclet-pitches-ferrari-upgrade-f-35/187350/
[3] F-35 Upgrade Delays and Cost Overruns Frustrate Lawmakers, https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2021/12/15/f-35-upgrade-delays-and-cost-overruns-frustrate-lawmakers/
[4] Lockheed Martin Q2 loss surges on Skunk Works charge, https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/lockheed-martin-q2-loss-surges-skunk-works-charge-2021-10-21/
[5] Spain Scraps Plans to Buy F-35, Citing Costs and Dependency on U.S., https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/05/13/spain-scraps-plans-to-buy-f-35-citing-costs-and-dependency-on-us/
- The F-35 program, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft in production, is projected to deliver between 150 and 190 aircraft in 2025, with Lockheed Martin delivery of up to 150 airplanes scheduled for this year.
- Lockheed Martin's CEO, Jim Taiclet, has proposed a substantial upgrade for the F-35, aiming to enhance its capabilities toward the next-generation F-47 aircraft, similar to a "Ferrari" upgrade.
- Despite receiving Pentagon approval, operational challenges remain uncertain for the Tech Refresh 3 upgrade of the F-35, causing concerns amongst lawmakers who have reduced planned capabilities for Block 4 due to these issues.
- Amidst financial losses from various programs, including a secret Skunk Works aeronautics program, Lockheed Martin reiterates its commitment to the F-35 and other advanced programs, even in the face of international concerns about high costs and dependency on U.S. control over software updates, mission data, and maintenance.
- Countries such as Spain have suspended plans to buy the F-35 due to budgetary concerns, software delays, mechanical issues, and operational dependency on U.S. control, spurring investigation into European and indigenous fighter development programs as an alternative.
