U.S. Fighter Jet Production Surges as New Models Emerge
The United States remains a global leader in fighter jet manufacturing, with production exceeding 300 units annually as of 2025. Major players in this sector include industry giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin, whose fighter jets such as the F-16, F-15, F/A-18, F-22, and F-35 have set benchmarks in defense technology. The landscape of military aviation is evolving, with the U.S. Armed Forces gradually transitioning to a predominantly fifth-generation fleet.
As the U.S. military phases out older models, the F/A-18 Super Hornet’s production is expected to cease in 2027, while the assembly of the F-22 Raptor ended in 2011. Nonetheless, Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II continues to thrive, driven by robust demand from both domestic and international partners. The current production figures underscore the complex nature of modern fighter aircraft, which require advanced technologies and extensive supply chains.
Production Figures and Future Trends
The U.S. military is pivoting towards a fifth-generation fleet, with existing fourth-generation fighters undergoing upgrades to enhance their capabilities. The F-35 program is a standout, with Lockheed Martin delivering between 20 to 23 units per month. Alongside this, the F-16 Fighting Falcon continues to see demand, with deliveries projected to reach 23 to 26 units per month by 2025.
The production numbers for various models are as follows:
– Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II: 20 to 23 monthly
– Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon: 3.5 to 4 monthly
– Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet: 1.5 to 2 monthly
– Boeing F-15EX Eagle II: 1.5 to 2 monthly
This totals approximately 318 to 372 fighter jets produced annually, reflecting a strong output despite impending model retirements.
The F-35, in particular, has been a game-changer for the U.S. military, with its three variants—A, B, and C—contributing to a streamlined production process. The aircraft’s stealth capabilities and advanced sensor technology provide a significant edge in modern warfare. As of April 2025, Lockheed Martin achieved a monthly production record of 23 F-35s, aiming to surpass its previous annual total of 156 units.
Market Demand and Global Partnerships
Lockheed Martin is optimistic about the F-16’s future, with ongoing demand from countries such as Bahrain, Bulgaria, Jordan, and Taiwan. The company holds 140 firm orders and an additional backlog of 117 aircraft, indicating a healthy market outlook. Production is set to ramp up from five units in 2023 to an anticipated 23 to 26 units in 2025.
The company’s commitment to modernization is evident in its extensive upgrade programs for over 700 older F-16s to Block 70/72 standards, further solidifying its position in the global fourth-generation market. Vice President and General Manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, Mike Shoemaker, expressed confidence in the program’s trajectory, emphasizing the importance of lifecycle partnerships with international customers.
Boeing’s F-15EX Eagle II is also witnessing accelerated production, with plans to deliver two aircraft per month by the end of 2026. The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of 36 Indonesian-spec F-15EX units, highlighting Boeing’s efforts to capture foreign markets despite the high costs associated with these advanced aircraft.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet, while still under production, faces a scheduled shutdown in 2027. Recent contracts worth $1.3 billion have extended its production timeline but reduced output in anticipation of transitioning resources to other projects.
The U.S. Department of Defense is also advancing its sixth-generation capabilities through the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget emphasizes this initiative, aiming to develop a new stealth fighter while temporarily shelving the Navy’s next-generation carrier-based F/A-XX program.
As the U.S. solidifies its dominance in air power with a fleet exceeding 13,000 aircraft, the ongoing advancements in fighter jet technology, such as the F-35 and upcoming F-47, ensure that the United States will remain at the forefront of global military aviation for years to come.
