As of 2025, the United States stands at the forefront of global warplane manufacturing, predominantly led by two major defense giants: Boeing and Lockheed Martin. These companies are responsible for some of the most iconic fighter aircraft, including the F-16, F-15, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, and the forthcoming F-47.
The complexity and sophistication of modern fighters have increased significantly, resulting in an extensive manufacturing process. Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor assembly line was closed in 2011, while Boeing is set to cease production of the F/A-18 Super Hornet in 2027. Despite this, production is still robust, with U.S. assembly lines producing over 300 fighter jets annually.
The shift within the U.S. military towards a fifth-generation air fleet is becoming increasingly apparent. Older fourth-generation and ‘4.5’ fighters are currently undergoing retrofits to upgrade their capabilities. The Super Hornet is expected to be retired by the end of 2027, and Boeing is managing deliveries alongside ramping up production for the new Eagle II. Presently, both models exhibit similar output rates.
On the other hand, Lockheed Martin is busier than ever, fueled by a plethora of orders for its multifunctional F-35A/B/C Joint Strike Fighter, labeled the Lightning II. While it is important to note that the F-35’s supply chain extends globally, comprising contributions from Europe and Japan, its three different variants help enhance production statistics. Moreover, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, despite being nearly five decades old, continues to thrive in today’s defense landscape.
Although the Super Hornet is poised for its final chapter, other frontline fighters made by leading U.S. aerospace manufacturers are still in high demand, evidenced by emerging orders for the F-15EX and F-35. The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program awarded to Boeing will pave the way for the development of the first sixth-generation jet, indicating the future direction of U.S. military aviation.
The Lockheed Martin F-35A/B/C Lightning II proves to be a central player in this narrative. Frequently sought after by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marines, as well as allied nations in NATO and Japan, the F-35’s appeal stems from its stealth technology, exceptional performance, and superior sensor capabilities.
Currently, the U.S. Navy uniquely operates the C-model, which differs from the more common A-model due to its larger wings and enhanced landing gear. The B-model has transitioned directly from the Boeing AV-8B Harrier II for U.S. Marines while also being exported to multiple countries, including Italy and the United Kingdom.
As of now, the F-35A constitutes about 90% of over 1,200 units delivered, with Lockheed Martin reaching its highest monthly delivery rate of 23 jets in April 2025. The company aims to surpass its previous annual record of producing 156 fifth-generation fighters.
Lockheed Martin is still grappling with challenges linked to integrating the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade. In response to these obstacles, the company has begun delivering a blend of newly manufactured jets and previously built aircraft stored in inventory. It is reported that approximately 18% of this year’s F-35 deliveries will come from these earlier units.
In terms of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Lockheed Martin anticipates strong demand moving forward. Notably, there are 140 confirmed orders from nations like Bahrain, Bulgaria, and Jordan, along with 117 Block 70 aircraft currently in backlog. By 2025, production of the F-16 is projected to increase beyond 30 units annually. The Greenville, South Carolina plant is currently packed with 16 hangars spanning 1.2 million square feet, where around 700 aging F-16s are undergoing upgrades to Block 70/72 specifications.
Global sales for the F-16 have fortified its standing in the fourth-generation fighter market, leading to around $25 billion in new contracts for production and upgrades. Mike Shoemaker, the VP and General Manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, expressed an optimistic outlook stating, ‘I’m very bullish on the programme and its bright future.’
Boeing’s F-15EX Eagle II is also making strides with 90 units already ordered, targeting a production rate of two planes per month by late 2026. Enhanced productivity measures from factory modifications have stabilized the production lines for the Eagle II, where it is designed to feature modern avionics and an open mission-systems architecture.
Pentagon strategists have highlighted the importance of the F-15EX’s endurance, performance, and hefty arsenal, considering them essential for maintaining combat readiness against potential near-peer rivals. Tom Altamuro, Boeing’s Director of F-15 Manufacturing and Safety, noted improvements in factory performance over recent months, which have facilitated enhanced productivity.
Internationally, Indonesia is positioned to be the first foreign recipient of the F-15EX, with plans for other potential exports to Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, and Thailand. However, the high costs associated with the F-15EX could pose challenges for many countries looking to procure this aircraft.
Meanwhile, Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet continues to evolve, despite plans to suspend production by 2027. A recent contract extension for 17 additional Navy aircraft has delayed the closing of production by two years, even as Boeing shifts its workforce to new projects like the F-15EX.
The intended Navy purchase was adjusted from 20 to 17 units due to inflationary pressures. Mark Sears, Boeing’s Vice President for Fighters, stated there are currently no active discussions with the Navy regarding additional Super Hornets beyond these latest orders, as historical international campaigns did not yield success.
To maintain operational capabilities, Boeing is in the process of updating existing Super Hornet models to the Block 3 standard while also resolving long-standing discussions over technical data rights, which offer the Navy greater leeway in servicing without infringing on Boeing’s intellectual property.
Finally, the development of the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter is underway, with the U.S. Air Force’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget providing full backing for the initiative. This decision reflects a strategic pivot, prioritizing a singular advanced stealth aircraft instead of pursuing two concurrently.
The Navy’s F/A-XX program, initially set for broader development, will now receive minimal funding, meant to ensure it exploits F-47 advancements while preventing strain on the skilled defense industrial workforce. Though only $74 million has been earmarked for the F/A-XX this budget cycle, there are rumors suggesting that a modified F-47 might serve as the Navy’s future platform.
President Donald Trump has expressed interest in promoting the F-47’s export potential to Japan, advocating for enhanced bilateral defense cooperation. Although Japanese officials have not formally indicated interest in procuring the F-47, considerations for more F-35s might be under evaluation due to developing capability gaps in their fleet.
In conclusion, the U.S. fighter jet manufacturing industry is navigating a complex landscape of demand, technological innovation, and strategic prioritization, as its leading defense contractors prepare for the future while tackling the challenges of the present.
image source from：simpleflying
