Lockheed Reduces Planned F-35s for 2022, Citing Covid’s Impact
- Earlier plan called for as many as 163 deliveries next year
- GAO has questioned Lockheed’s delivery pace aside from Covid
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Lockheed Martin Corp. said it will deliver fewer F-35 fighters next year than previously planned under a schedule revised for the impact of Covid-19 on its workforce and production.
The initial contractual goal was for 158 to 163 of the advanced fighters to be delivered in 2022, according to the Pentagon’s F-35 program office. Now, Lockheed said in a news release Monday, it projects 151 to 153 jets for next year, followed by 156 in 2023 and annually “for the foreseeable future.”