Washington:The Pentagon has committed to purchasing a total of 850 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin over the next decade, as part of a long-term strategy to prepare suppliers for potential wartime production.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the newly announced framework agreement includes not only the acquisition of 850 F-35 Lightning II aircraft for the U.S. military but also hundreds more for international customers. Additionally, the deal encompasses spare parts and other essential equipment.

The agreement outlines Lockheed Martin's plan to produce 156 jets annually in the coming years, supported by $7 billion in investments from the company's own resources. This is a preliminary step toward a final contract that will require tens of billions of dollars in congressional funding to be finalized.

The F-35 stealth fighter program is already recognized as the world's most expensive weapons program, with projected lifetime costs reaching $2 trillion for purchasing, operating, and maintaining the aircraft. Pentagon officials have emphasized that firm, multiyear purchase commitments enhance the efficiency of weapons procurement, addressing concerns from suppliers about the challenges of inconsistent congressional funding.

Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet remarked, "This multiyear framework strengthens the way we can plan and invest in the F-35 enterprise."