Lockheed Delivers 134th F-35 Fighter to US, Allies

Lockheed Martin delivered 134th F-35 fighter jet to the United States and its allies, and plans to deliver 141 more in 2020.

The number of aircraft delivered has exceeded the 2019 target delivery goal of 131 jets. The figure represents a 47% increase from 2018 and nearly a 200 percent production increase from 2016. Next year, the company said it plans to supply 141 F-35s to its customers.

The 134th aircraft is a Short Take-off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) model for the United States Marine Corps.  In 2019, deliveries included 81 F-35s for the US, 30 for international partner nations and 23 for Foreign Military Sales customers.

The Pentagon awarded Lockheed one of its biggest F-35 contracts this October. The $34 billion deal was for the supply of 478 jets with the price of each aircraft averaging $71.13 million.

“The price of an F-35A is now $77.9 million, meeting the $80 million goal a year earlier than planned. The F-35's mission readiness and sustainment costs continue to improve with the global fleet averaging greater than 65% mission capable rates, and operational squadrons consistently performing near 75%. Lockheed Martin's sustainment cost per aircraft per year has also decreased four consecutive years, and more than 35% since 2015,” the LM statement read.