Aircraft
Covid Dents F-35 Production as Development Continues
The global pandemic has inevitably hit production rates for the F-35, but Lockheed Martin hopes to begin clawing back lost time in the fall.
F-35As from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings perform an “elephant walk” during a Combat Power exercise at Hill AFB, Utah in January. The Lockheed Martin program has now delivered 540 aircraft to U.S. and allied air arms. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)
F-35As from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings perform an “elephant walk” during a Combat Power exercise at Hill AFB, Utah in January. The Lockheed Martin program has now delivered 540 aircraft to U.S. and allied air arms. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

Considering that the Lockheed Martin F-35 is the largest global defense program currently under way, with a vast number of suppliers—both domestic and international—in the supply chain tiers, it comes as no surprise that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected its production rate.


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