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Lockheed CEO Proposes F-35 Enhancement as Transitional Step for F-47

In the second quarter of 2025, Lockheed Martin experienced a significant financial setback, reporting a loss of $1.6 billion. Despite this, the company continues to advocate for updates to the F-35 program, given the Air Force's delay in the F-47 acquisition.

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Lockheed Chief Executive Advocates for F-35 Enhancements as a Transition Towards F-47
Lockheed Chief Executive Advocates for F-35 Enhancements as a Transition Towards F-47

Lockheed CEO Proposes F-35 Enhancement as Transitional Step for F-47

Lockheed Martin Plans Major Upgrade for F-35 While Pursuing Next-Generation Fighter

The F-35, Lockheed Martin's flagship multirole stealth fighter, is set for a significant upgrade, aiming to extend its lifecycle and capabilities as a pragmatic bridge to the company's next-generation fighter.

In 2025, Lockheed Martin plans to deliver between 170 and 190 F-35 aircraft, demonstrating strong production momentum. Despite the U.S. Department of Defense cutting back projected orders for 2026, congressional committees are considering boosting them.

The F-35 upgrade, known as Block 4, includes new weapons, improved sensors such as the AN/APG-85 AESA radar, expanded electronic support measures (ESM), and advanced software capabilities to enhance agility and responsiveness. This upgrade is part of a continuous capability development program aimed at extending the F-35’s operational relevance well into the future.

Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet has referred to this upgrade as an important "bridge" to the newly designated F-47, which he predicts could be a decade away from service. The F-47, a sixth-generation fighter under the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, is expected to surpass the F-35 in performance metrics like combat radius (over 1,100 miles) and speed (above Mach 2).

The F-47, primarily developed by Boeing, is viewed as a transformational platform that changes the strategic character of air combat by countering peer adversaries in ways not feasible today. Lockheed Martin aims for the F-35 upgrades to achieve approximately 80% of sixth-generation system effectiveness at about half the cost, creating a cost-effective bridge until the F-47 reaches full operational capability.

In other news, Lockheed Martin is facing losses on several programs, including the CH-148 Canadian Maritime Helicopter program and the Turkish Utility Helicopter, due to customers stretching out or restructuring the programs. Furthermore, the company reported a $1.6 billion loss in the second quarter, with the majority of the losses coming from a classified Skunk Works project.

The government and Lockheed Martin have announced a handshake deal for Lots 18 and 19 of the F-35, but contracts are still being finalized, with a potential completion in the third quarter. Lot 19 would consist of 150 F-35 airplanes.

Lockheed Martin's rapid development efforts have also led to the successful launch of the ARRW, the first proven hypersonic weapon capable of being launched from an American aircraft. The AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response weapon is back in the Air Force budget after a yearlong hiatus, with a request for $400 million.

However, the F-35 production faced a year-long pause into mid-2024 due to issues testing the Tech Refresh 3 upgrade. Despite these challenges, Lockheed Martin continues to push forward, balancing the needs of its current and future aircraft programs.

  1. Lockheed Martin's F-35, a multirole stealth fighter, is slated for a major upgrade with Block 4, enhancing its capabilities for a longer lifespan, acting as a transitional bridge to the anticipated F-47.
  2. The F-47, part of the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, is projected to outperform the F-35 in metrics such as combat radius and speed, transforming air combat strategies against peer adversaries.
  3. Despite production momentum, with plans to deliver between 170 and 190 F-35 aircraft in 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense has reduced projected orders for 2026, yet congressional committees are mulling over a possible increase.
  4. The F-35 upgrade includes advanced features like new weapons, improved sensors, expanded electronic support measures, and software capabilities, aiming to match around 80% of sixth-generation system effectiveness at a cheaper cost.
  5. Aside from the F-35, Lockheed Martin is dealing with losses on various programs, including Canadian Maritime Helicopter and Turkish Utility Helicopter, due to customers delaying or restructuring projects.
  6. In the realm of space, Lockheed Martin has successfully launched the ARRW, America's first proven hypersonic weapon, capable of being launched from an aircraft, reintroduced into the Air Force budget after a year-long hiatus with a $400 million request.

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