Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Visits Lockheed Martin's F-35 Production Facility in Texas
In a significant event for the defense industry, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made a visit to Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II production facility located in Fort Worth, Texas. This visit, part of his Arsenal of Freedom industry tour, was designed to showcase the crucial role that Lockheed Martin plays in transforming military acquisition processes and in enhancing the capabilities provided to the military personnel who safeguard the nation.
During the visit, Secretary Hegseth was given a thorough tour of the F-35 assembly line, which has become a pivotal point of pride for both Lockheed Martin and American manufacturing. He had the opportunity to engage with key leaders within the company and addressed an audience of more than 600 employees, partaking in a dynamic exchange that emphasized appreciation for their dedicated work.
In his address, Hegseth expressed his gratitude, saying, "I'm looking out into an incredible audience of Americans here who are committed to an incredible company that's building incredible platforms. Thank you for accepting and grasping the challenge of President Trump as well as our department. Thank you all so much for what you do, for why you're doing it. We are shoulder to shoulder with you because we can't deter the next conflict without the skills and capabilities you have." This statement encapsulated the message of collaboration and solidarity within the defense community.
A key highlight of the F-35 program is its robust supply chain, which is supported by over 1,900 suppliers throughout the United States. Notably, more than half of these suppliers are small businesses, reaffirming the strength of American manufacturing and the broader economy. Hegseth pointed out that the F-35 production is currently operating at a pace five times faster than any other allied fighter jet in production, showcasing the project's scale and ambition.
Jim Taiclet, the chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin, reflected on the significance of the event, stating, "The F-35 is the most advanced multi-mission fighter jet in the world as clearly shown in many recent and successful military engagements around the world. Our U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine F-35 pilots, along with those of our allies, ensure air superiority when they take to the skies, and are critical contributors to President Trump’s strategy of peace through strength." This sentiment speaks volumes about the F-35's operational competence, which is vital for maintaining air dominance, especially as the global military landscape evolves.
Beyond the aircraft production aspects, Lockheed Martin also highlighted a recent landmark agreement with the Department of War aimed at accelerating the production and delivery of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors. This agreement serves as a practical implementation of the Acquisition Transformation Strategy, designed to enhance speed and efficiency in defense procurement.
As of today, more than 1,290 F-35 jets are currently in operation worldwide, with the fleet surpassing a remarkable 1 million flight hours in 2025 alone. The F-35 jets serve from 50 bases globally, supported by 11 nations on their home soil. This operational capability is critical not only for current defense strategies but also for future military readiness, especially in light of advancing technologies and aging legacy aircraft.
Lockheed Martin's role in this transformative phase of military aviation extends beyond just manufacturing. The company is committed to driving innovation and providing advanced defense technologies necessary for the United States and its allies to maintain strategic advantages in an increasingly complex global environment. As Secretary Hegseth concluded his visit, the dedication and enthusiasm of the Lockheed Martin workforce and their commitment to excellence in producing the F-35 were palpable, cementing the relationship between the defense sector and those who protect national security.
During the visit, Secretary Hegseth was given a thorough tour of the F-35 assembly line, which has become a pivotal point of pride for both Lockheed Martin and American manufacturing. He had the opportunity to engage with key leaders within the company and addressed an audience of more than 600 employees, partaking in a dynamic exchange that emphasized appreciation for their dedicated work.
In his address, Hegseth expressed his gratitude, saying, "I'm looking out into an incredible audience of Americans here who are committed to an incredible company that's building incredible platforms. Thank you for accepting and grasping the challenge of President Trump as well as our department. Thank you all so much for what you do, for why you're doing it. We are shoulder to shoulder with you because we can't deter the next conflict without the skills and capabilities you have." This statement encapsulated the message of collaboration and solidarity within the defense community.
A key highlight of the F-35 program is its robust supply chain, which is supported by over 1,900 suppliers throughout the United States. Notably, more than half of these suppliers are small businesses, reaffirming the strength of American manufacturing and the broader economy. Hegseth pointed out that the F-35 production is currently operating at a pace five times faster than any other allied fighter jet in production, showcasing the project's scale and ambition.
Jim Taiclet, the chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin, reflected on the significance of the event, stating, "The F-35 is the most advanced multi-mission fighter jet in the world as clearly shown in many recent and successful military engagements around the world. Our U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine F-35 pilots, along with those of our allies, ensure air superiority when they take to the skies, and are critical contributors to President Trump’s strategy of peace through strength." This sentiment speaks volumes about the F-35's operational competence, which is vital for maintaining air dominance, especially as the global military landscape evolves.
Beyond the aircraft production aspects, Lockheed Martin also highlighted a recent landmark agreement with the Department of War aimed at accelerating the production and delivery of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors. This agreement serves as a practical implementation of the Acquisition Transformation Strategy, designed to enhance speed and efficiency in defense procurement.
As of today, more than 1,290 F-35 jets are currently in operation worldwide, with the fleet surpassing a remarkable 1 million flight hours in 2025 alone. The F-35 jets serve from 50 bases globally, supported by 11 nations on their home soil. This operational capability is critical not only for current defense strategies but also for future military readiness, especially in light of advancing technologies and aging legacy aircraft.
Lockheed Martin's role in this transformative phase of military aviation extends beyond just manufacturing. The company is committed to driving innovation and providing advanced defense technologies necessary for the United States and its allies to maintain strategic advantages in an increasingly complex global environment. As Secretary Hegseth concluded his visit, the dedication and enthusiasm of the Lockheed Martin workforce and their commitment to excellence in producing the F-35 were palpable, cementing the relationship between the defense sector and those who protect national security.
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