DOD awards $903M for F-35 Lot 16 long-lead components

The Defense Department last week awarded Lockheed Martin a nearly $904 million contract modification to buy long-lead parts for 133 Lot 16 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.

The Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and partner nation aircraft included in the Dec. 30 contract are slated for delivery beginning in 2024.

The company delivered 123 F-35s in 2020, spokesman Brett Ashworth confirmed last week, falling short of its 141-aircraft target due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on its suppliers and production line. Lockheed announced its expected delivery shortfall in May and set 123 jets as a new goal.

“The F-35 program enjoyed significant success in 2020 with 123 aircraft delivered, multiple combat deployments and improved mission capable rates,” Ashworth said in a statement. “The program also provided unprecedented support to more than 400 F-35 suppliers in 45 states and Puerto Rico who received accelerated payments due to COVID-19 impacts on their businesses.”