F-35 Program Spotlights International Partners

Global Partners Building Global Security

(Paris, France, June 17, 2009) -- International participants in the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II program have begun purchasing aircraft and making long-range commitments to integrate the fighter into their fleets, a Lockheed Martin executive said Wednesday at the Paris Air Show.

"Since the start of the year, we have seen the United Kingdom commit to the purchase of their first three operational test and evaluation (OT&E) aircraft, Italy approve in principle the establishment of an F-35 final assembly and checkout facility as well as the purchase of 131 F-35s, and the Netherlands approve funds for the first of two OT&E airplanes," said Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of F-35 Program Integration. "At the same time, Australia has reaffirmed its requirement for 100 F-35s and Israel has begun planning to purchase 25 F-35s initially, with an option for 50 more."

The F-35 - the world's only international 5th generation fighter - will replace more than 13 aircraft types and enable allies to conduct seamless operations with new levels of capability that are unavailable in current-generation fighters.

Burbage also discussed the F-35's role as the centerpiece of global security cooperation -- beyond its operational service. "In addition to the aircraft itself providing new levels of interoperability among allied operators, the strong industrial participation within the program from partner nations help provide stability during these uncertain economic times," he said.

During the briefing, both Burbage and Maj. Gen. (select) David Heinz, Joint Strike Fighter Program Executive Officer highlighted accomplishments in the F-35 program this year, noting that "2009 has been a year of firsts for the F-35 program."

Source : Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) - click here for more information