The aircraft are intended to support ongoing testing and development work tied to the F-35’s Block 4 modernisation programme. The contract is scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2031.
Lockheed Martin will deliver three aircraft, with each jet built in a different F-35 variant. The aircraft are expected to expand testing capacity and support future evaluations of Block 4 capabilities.
Block 4 remains a key upgrade programme for the F-35 platform. The modernisation effort is designed to support the aircraft’s continued development through new systems and configuration testing.
The latest agreement follows another contract signed in April 2025. That earlier deal also covered three experimental F-35 aircraft and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.
Lockheed Martin has continued to provide additional aircraft dedicated to research, development and testing missions. The company has used these aircraft to support ongoing programme improvements.
According to Lockheed Martin, more than 1,300 production F-35 aircraft have been delivered across all variants. The global fleet has accumulated more than one million flight hours.
The aircraft is currently operated by 13 countries. In recent months, the programme has drawn attention following extensive operational use during the conflict with Iran by the United States, Israel and the United Kingdom.
The article also noted the reported first shootdown of a manned aircraft by an F-35, involving a Yakovlev Yak-130 over Iran. It also referenced the first recorded combat damage sustained by a U.S. Air Force F-35 from anti-aircraft fire.
