The delivery milestone followed the programme surpassing one million cumulative flight hours earlier in the year. During 2025, the programme team also completed delivery of the most advanced software to date with the completion of TR-3, while sustaining a global fleet approaching 1,300 aircraft.
Lockheed Martin said the F-35 continued to demonstrate its effectiveness in real-world combat operations throughout the year. These included supporting the suppression of Iranian air defences during Operation Midnight Hammer, logging nearly 5,000 mishap-free flight hours during a United States Marine Corps F-35B deployment, and eliminating Russian drones over Poland in the first engagement of threats by NATO F-35s in allied airspace.
The company reported continued growth in global demand for the aircraft, with customers expanding their planned fleet sizes. Italy and Denmark increased their programmes of record by adding 25 and 16 aircraft respectively, while Finland rolled out its first F-35, Belgium received its first in-country aircraft, and Norway completed deliveries of its full fleet.
In September, the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin finalised Lots 18 and 19 for the production and delivery of up to 296 aircraft valued at $24 billion. The two organisations also agreed an Air Vehicle Sustainment Contract award to support annualised sustainment activities across the F-35 enterprise for 2025 and beyond.
Chauncey McIntosh, Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 Lightning II programme at Lockheed Martin, said: “I’m immensely proud of the F-35 enterprise for delivering on our production commitments, performing with excellence and growing our global partnerships in 2025.” He added: “As our warfighters continue to employ the F-35 to protect the interests of America and our allies around the world, we’re committed to continuing to push the latest technology into the hands of the warfighter to defeat any threat.”
