News Summary
Fort Worth is at the forefront of F-35 Lightning II production, serving as a significant driver for local jobs and economic growth. Home to numerous subcontractors, including small businesses, Fort Worth’s robust economy thrives on this pivotal military program. With the F-35’s impressive global sales and military significance, this innovative aircraft not only boosts the local economy but also fortifies military capability worldwide. Despite challenges, the future of the F-35 program in Texas appears bright, promising continued expansion and economic development.
Texas: Fort Worth’s F-35 Program Powers Economic Growth
The manufacturing of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet in Fort Worth is not only a technological achievement but also serves as a significant economic driver for the region. The production of this advanced aircraft supports over 49,000 jobs in Texas, generating an estimated annual economic impact of around $9.9 billion.
F-35 Manufacturing Hub
Fort Worth is the central location for the assembly of F-35 jets, facilitated by primary contractor Lockheed Martin. The project involves a broad network of about 1,900 subcontractors, with approximately 1,000 of these being small businesses. This extensive collaboration creates a strong local economic ecosystem and showcases the city’s role in high-tech manufacturing.
An example of this thriving supply chain is Gamma Aerospace, located in nearby Mansfield. Established in 1971, the company manufactures crucial components for the F-35. Recently, it hosted a demonstration of the cockpit, spotlighting the integral role it plays in the broader production network for the fighter jets.
National and State Economic Impact
The F-35 program has a substantial impact nationwide, supporting around 270,000 jobs across the United States while contributing an overall economic boost of approximately $72 billion annually. Texas alone sees significant benefits from this program, underlining its major role as a hub for military aerospace development.
Global Military Significance
Beyond its economic implications, the F-35’s role in the global defense landscape is crucial. Priced between $80 million and $110 million per unit, over 1,000 jets have been delivered to more than 20 countries, enhancing air defense capabilities for allies and the U.S. military. The aircraft has accumulated over 1 million flight hours, proving its effectiveness in various military operations, including recent actions involving Israel.
Challenges Facing the Program
Despite its successes, the F-35 program faces challenges, including concerns raised about its future viability against the rise of drone technology. Some countries, such as Spain, have begun to reconsider their investments in the program, prompting discussions among nations like Switzerland and Portugal regarding their procurement plans. Nevertheless, Lockheed Martin has reported a rise in sales, indicating continued confidence in the program’s stability and demand.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, F-35 sales rose by $215 million, culminating in total revenue of $18 billion. The company aims to maintain a production rate exceeding 150 aircraft annually, thereby reinforcing Texas’s position as a leader in aerospace manufacturing.
A Bright Outlook for Texas
As a symbol of military innovation and economic vitality, the F-35 program stands as a cornerstone of Fort Worth and Texas’s future growth. With an extensive supply chain that includes over 1,600 American companies, the positive economic effects are apparent. As capabilities and production continue to expand, the outlook for Fort Worth and its strategic role in the aerospace sector remains promising.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Dallas News: Lockheed’s F-35 Fighter Jet Makes a Splash in North Texas
- Fort Worth Business: U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey Takes Flight in F-35 Simulator
- Star-Telegram: The F-35’s Impact on Fort Worth
- Lockheed Martin: Norway Becomes First F-35 Partner Nation to Fulfill its Program of Record
- Business Insider: Inside the Mile-Long Factory Where F-35 Stealth Fighters are Made
- Wikipedia: F-35 Lightning II
- Google Search: F-35 Fighter Jet
- Google Scholar: F-35 Fighter Jet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: F-35 Lighting II
- Google News: F-35 Fighter Jet
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
