Pentagon Plans 850 F-35 Jets Deal, Congress Approval Still Needed

US – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – The Pentagon has agreed with Lockheed Martin to buy at least 850 F-35 jets over the next 10 years. The deal was announced on Thursday. It gives a strong boost to America’s long-term plans for military aircraft.

However, this is not a final purchase contract. Both sides must first win approval and funding from Congress. Only then can they settle the price, delivery dates and other terms, according to Reuters.

In simple words, the agreement is an early step. It shows the plan, but the final paperwork is still to come.

Lockheed Martin has also promised to invest at least $7 billion of its own money in the F-35 programme. The money will help build more production capacity and strengthen supply chains.

Stronger factories and supply lines are meant to keep the jets coming on time.

Under the proposed plan, Lockheed Martin will keep making 156 F-35 aircraft every year. This number includes jets built for customers outside the United States.

So the yearly figure covers all buyers, not only the Pentagon.

The Pentagon has not shared a total value for the agreement. Still, a simple estimate gives an idea.

If each stealth fighter costs about $100 million, 850 aircraft would add up to roughly $85 billion in contracts.

This is only an estimate. The real cost will depend on the final contract terms.

Until a total value is announced, the $85 billion figure should be seen as a guide, not an official number.

What the Agreement Covers

The F-35 is known for its ability to slip past enemy radar networks. That makes it a key part of US air power.

Many American allies also fly the jet, so the deal matters well beyond US borders.

The agreement is not only about new aircraft. It also covers spare parts, aircraft upgrades and maintenance support for the global F-35 fleet.

Together, these parts show that the plan looks beyond buying planes. It also aims to keep the whole fleet ready to fly for years.

Lockheed Martin says the deal will create about 317,000 jobs in the United States.

The company also says it will drive close to $79 billion in economic activity every year for the next 10 years.

These numbers come from Lockheed Martin itself.

Why the Timing Matters

The announcement comes as demand grows for fighter jets and missile defence systems. Ongoing conflicts around the world are adding to that demand, and Lockheed Martin is gaining from it.

For now, the next step is in Congress. Lawmakers must approve the plan and the funding before the contract can be finalised.

Until that happens, the final price and delivery schedule will stay open.

Once the contract is complete, more details are expected on how many jets will arrive each year and how much each one will cost.