This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin. Additional context regarding software configurations is derived from industry reporting.

Lockheed Martin Delivers Record 191 F-35s in 2025 Amid Combat Debuts

Lockheed Martin announced on January 7, 2026, that the F-35 Lightning II program achieved a historic production milestone in 2025, delivering 191 military aircraft to global customers. This figure shatters the previous annual record of 142 jets set in 2021 and represents a significant recovery for the program following delays associated with the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) software upgrade.

According to the company’s official statement, the surge in deliveries was driven by the resolution of a government-imposed delivery pause that had created a backlog of completed airframes. With the resumption of acceptances in mid-2024, Lockheed Martin was able to clear stored inventory, resulting in a delivery pace reportedly five times faster than any other allied fighter currently in production.

Beyond production statistics, 2025 marked a pivotal year for the operational history of the fifth-generation fighter. The aircraft saw its first kinetic engagement in defense of NATO airspace over Poland and played a key role in operations in the Middle East, cementing its status as a cornerstone of allied air power.

Production Surge and TR-3 Recovery

The delivery of 191 aircraft in a single calendar year is an outlier in the program’s history, primarily due to the “catch-up” effort required after the TR-3 delays. The Pentagon had halted acceptances in July 2023 due to software stability issues, leading to a stockpile of undelivered jets at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility.

In its press release, Lockheed Martin confirmed that the backlog was fully cleared by mid-2025. The company highlighted the collaborative effort required to achieve this throughput:

The F-35 enterprise rallied to meet the warfighter’s needs, delivering 191 aircraft and ensuring our allies maintain air dominance in an increasingly complex global security environment.

AirPro News Analysis: Sustainable Rates vs. Catch-Up

While the headline figure of 191 deliveries is impressive, it is important to contextualize this number. This volume represents the release of stored inventory rather than a new permanent annual production baseline. Industry analysis suggests the steady-state production capacity for the F-35 remains around 156 aircraft per year.

Furthermore, while the backlog has been cleared, industry reporting from outlets such as Defense Security Monitor indicates that many of these aircraft were accepted with a “truncated” version of the TR-3 software. This configuration allows for training but may not yet support the full suite of Block 4 combat capabilities, with full certification expected later in 2026.

Operational Milestones: Combat and Safety

The year 2025 saw the F-35 utilized in high-stakes combat environments, validating its stealth and sensor fusion capabilities against modern threats.

NATO Airspace Defense

In a historic first for the program, NATO F-35s engaged and neutralized Russian drones violating allied airspace over Poland. This event marks the first time NATO F-35s have employed kinetic force to defend allied territory, a significant escalation in the platform’s operational usage in Eastern Europe.

Operation Midnight Hammer

Lockheed Martin also noted the aircraft’s participation in “Operation Midnight Hammer” in the Middle East. The press release states that F-35s played a “key role” in suppressing Iranian air defense systems, demonstrating efficacy against sophisticated Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS).

USMC Safety Record

On the deployment front, the U.S. Marine Corps recorded nearly 5,000 mishap-free flight hours during a 2025 deployment. This achievement reinforces the reliability of the F-35B Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant during sustained operations at sea and from austere bases.

Global Fleet Expansion and Contracts

The global footprint of the F-35 continues to grow, with the total fleet now surpassing 1,300 aircraft and accumulating over 1 million flight hours. Several international partners expanded their commitments in 2025:

• Italy: Added 25 aircraft to its program of record.
• Denmark: Expanded its order by 16 aircraft.
• Finland: Celebrated the rollout of its first F-35.
• Belgium: Received its first in-country aircraft.
• Norway: Completed delivery of its entire planned fleet.

Financially, the program was bolstered by the finalization of contracts for Production Lots 18 and 19 in September 2025. Valued at approximately $24 billion, these contracts cover the production of up to 296 aircraft for the U.S. services and international customers. Additionally, a new Air Vehicle Sustainment Contract was signed to support the growing fleet through 2025 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the 2025 delivery number so high?

The record 191 deliveries included a significant number of aircraft that were built in previous years but stored due to the TR-3 software hold. Once the hold was lifted, these jets were delivered alongside new production units.

What is the TR-3 upgrade?

Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) provides the computational horsepower required for Block 4 capabilities, which include new weapons and advanced sensor upgrades. Early versions of this software are currently being used for training.

Is the F-35 currently in combat?

Yes. In 2025, the F-35 saw combat in the Middle East during Operation Midnight Hammer and defended NATO airspace over Poland against drone incursions.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin