Rs 2020000000000: 296 deadly fighter jets, THIS country places largest military order with…, deliveries expected…
The air combat sector is poised for a huge shift. A monumental deal has been reached for the world’s most sophisticated fighter jet that will enable the construction of almost 296 fifth-generation aircraft. This deal between Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) is a landmark contract.
What is the total value of the F-35 fighter jet deal?
In this contract, the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) has approved a whopping $24.3 billion (nearly Rs 2,02,000 crore) deal with Lockheed Martin to manufacture and deliver F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters under Lots 18 and 19, a ZeeNews report mentioned. This contract deals with the building of close to 300 fighter jets, which would drastically increase the global F-35 fleet.
Who are the main parties involved in the deal?
The firm characterized this agreement as a sign of increasing confidence in the F-35 program, which is now regarded as one of the most cost-effective and highest-capability fighter jets in production today. This agreement will procure jets for all of the US military services: Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, while also providing advanced fighter aircraft to partner nations as well as Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers.
The firm characterized this agreement as a sign of increasing confidence in the F-35 program, which is now regarded as one of the most cost-effective and highest-capability fighter jets in production today. This agreement will procure jets for all of the U.S. military services: Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, while also providing advanced fighter aircraft to partner nations as well as Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers.
The new jets are expected to begin deliveries in 2026. A major highlight of the deal is that the per-jet price increase has stayed below the rate of inflation, which overall adds to the value of the aircraft, as reported by ZeeNews.
Lockheed Martin’s significant agreement with the Pentagon is being regarded as the largest defense contract in the world. According to the report, the agreement covers 296 F-35 fighter aircraft.
The agreement includes Lot 18 and Lot 19 aircraft. Lot 18 includes 148 aircraft, etc, Lot 19 is for 148 aircraft, making the total 296, the report further mentioned.
The agreement is valued at about $24.3 billion. New aircraft deliveries are expected to be made in 2026. The aircraft will primarily be manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s factory in Fort Worth, Texas.
The F-35 is often touted as the most advanced fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter in the world. It is recognized for its stealth capabilities, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities. These 296 aircraft will be delivered to the US Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, as well as being produced for countries that have partnered with the United States and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Currently, over 12 countries operate more than 1,230 F-35 jets. This new order will broaden the global fleet further, enhancing allied nations’ security capabilities.
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