Pentagon Requests 85 F‑35 Jets in FY2027 Budget

The Department of Defense’s fiscal‑year‑2027 blueprint calls for the purchase of 85 new Lockheed Martin F‑35 Lightning II fighters, a sharp rise from the 47 aircraft requested in the 2026 budget. The increase underscores the program’s status as the Pentagon’s largest weapons acquisition.

Allocation by Service

• U.S. Air Force: 38 F‑35A conventional‑takeoff variants. Analysts note the number falls short of the service’s own demand and will not fully address its fighter shortfall.
• U.S. Marine Corps: 10 F‑35B short‑takeoff/vertical‑landing models.
• U.S. Navy: 37 F‑35C carrier‑based aircraft.

Fiscal Context

The request is part of a $1.5 trillion defense budget that also earmarks billions for shipbuilding, missile defense and munitions. The Office of Management and Budget confirmed the figures, signaling congressional scrutiny will focus on whether the expanded procurement aligns with broader modernization goals.

Industry Impact

Lockheed Martin stands to secure the largest single‑year order in the program’s history, reinforcing the F‑35’s position as the most produced fifth‑generation fighter worldwide. The budget also anticipates a $6.6 billion engine sustainment contract to keep the fleet operational.

The proposal will now move to Congress, where lawmakers will weigh cost, readiness and strategic value before approving the full purchase.