Lockheed Martin will receive up to $30 billion to deliver up to 398 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to the U.S. and allies in Europe

The Department of Defense of the United States announced the signing of a contract with Lockheed Martin for the supply of fifth generation fighters F-35 Lightning II. The customers are the United States and three European countries.

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The contract calls for the delivery of up to 398 fighters for the United States, Belgium, Poland and Finland, which is 23 more aircraft than planned last summer. Its maximum cost is $30 billion.

However, the agreement only guarantees delivery of Lot 15 and Lot 16 - 145 and 127 fighters, respectively. The Lot 17 option allows for an additional 126 F-35 Lightning IIs.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt said the fifth-generation fighters can provide unmatched capabilities for military and operational command. According to him, the new contract worth up to $30 billion is beneficial for American taxpayers, military services and U.S. allies.

Source: F-35