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F-35
Lockheed Martin delivered 110 F-35s overall in 2024, achieving the top end of a production target range reduced by software development delays, the company said in a social media post on Jan. 6.
The latest totals mean that historical F-35 deliveries now exceed 1,100 production aircraft over a 15-year span.
Lockheed delivered up to 22 more F-35s after Dec. 4, the last monthly update before the year closed.
The delivery target fell short of the international program’s original goals entering 2024. Only a few years ago, Lockheed committed to deliver 156 jets annually starting this year.
But delays with certifying Block 4 software for newly installed Technology Refresh (TR)-3 avionics spoiled Lockheed’s plans. The Joint Program Office (JPO) refused to accept TR-3-equipped jets starting in July 2023. The delivery hiatus lasted through the end of last July, although Lockheed continued to deliver a small number of F-35s with TR-2 avionics through the end of 2023.
The production system is not yet in the clear. The JPO ended the delivery hiatus last year after agreeing to accept F-35s only for training roles. Software for combat-coded jets still lacks certification. The JPO expects Lockheed to clear the TR-3 software for operational missions later this year.
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