Record Delivery of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters
Lockheed Martin has achieved a significant milestone by delivering 191 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters in the past year, marking the highest annual total in the program’s history. This dramatic increase comes as the defense contractor sought to address a backlog of previously undelivered aircraft.
Historical Context and Delivery Patterns
This year’s delivery figure not only surpasses the previous record of 142 units in 2021 but also represents a rebound following two years of slower output—98 and 110 aircraft delivered in 2023 and 2024, respectively. These delays were primarily attributed to the Defense Department’s suspension of new F-35 acceptances due to issues related to the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) updates.
Over a three-year span, Lockheed Martin averaged the delivery of 133 F-35s annually.
Importance of Technology Refresh 3
The TR-3 upgrades are essential, providing enhancements to displays, memory, and processing capabilities. These hardware and software improvements are prerequisites for a more extensive modernization effort known as Block 4. However, TR-3 has encountered multiple delays, leading to a government-imposed halt on F-35 deliveries starting in July 2023, which persisted for a year. To manage this pause, Lockheed Martin stored numerous newly manufactured jets at its Fort Worth, Texas, facility.
Resuming Deliveries and Addressing the Backlog
To resume deliveries, Lockheed Martin collaborated with government officials to finalize a truncated version of TR-3’s software. This paved the way for the lifting of the delivery embargo in July 2024, allowing the backlog to be cleared by May of the same year.
However, the delays had significant implications for the U.S. Air Force and allied services. Initially, TR-3-equipped aircraft were restricted to training missions and could not participate in combat.
Lockheed reported in June 2025 that it had completed the final software update necessary for TR-3, signaling progress in overcoming the earlier challenges.
Operational Impact and Global Role of the F-35
The nearly 1,300 F-35s currently operational around the globe have accumulated over one million flight hours. The aircraft has played pivotal roles in various global combat operations, including the suppression of Iranian air defenses during Operation Midnight Hammer targeting nuclear facilities.
Notably, last summer marked a significant operational achievement when Dutch F-35s, in coordination with Polish fighters, successfully engaged and downed multiple Russian drones in Polish airspace. This operation represented the first instance of NATO F-35s responding to threats within allied airspace.
Summary
The acceleration of F-35 deliveries amidst recent challenges underscores the program’s resilience and importance to modern military operations. As Lockheed Martin continues to navigate software updates and deliver high-tech capabilities, the F-35’s role on the global stage is set to expand further, confirming its status as a critical asset for the U.S. and allied forces.
