The Most Economically Significant Defense Program in History, Contributing Over $79 Billion AnnuallyÌý
The F-35 helps secure our world. The program unites valued allies and partners, powers small businesses, and creates high-paying, high-tech jobs for workers in the innovation economy.
Investing in American Workers
- Annual Economic Impact: over $79 Billion
- 317,000 jobsÌý(84,000 direct + 233,000 indirect)
We are proud to partner with 2,100 high-tech suppliers, of which nearly 1,000 are small business corporations.
Creating the Jobs of the FutureÌý
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Software Development
Advancing the industry by ensuring Ìýworkers have the expertise and skills to outpace global competitors.
Advancing the Digital Enterprise
- Digital Twin
- Model-Based Engineering
- Agile Software Development
Reducing the cost and schedule of aircraft development, operation and sustainment to set the new standard of connected protection.
F-35 FAQ
A. The F-35 is , bringing over $79 billion into the American economy each year.
The F-35 program is powered by a global supply chain of over 2,100 suppliers from more than a dozen countries.  
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A. For Production Lots 15 through 17, the average flyaway cost of an F-35A was $82.5 million; $109 million for an F-35B, and $102.1 million per F-35C.1
The F-35 team is working across government and industry for greater affordability. 51¶¯Âþ Martin has significantly lowered our share of cost per flight hour over the last five years.2
“Machinists Union members take great pride in building the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter for three U.S. military services. The F-35 program creates a powerful economic impact for our nation and it produces a game-changing aircraft that keeps our fighter pilots safe. Now is the time to invest in the best air-to-air fighter by ramping up the production line to reduce unit costs and continue to handle the world’s current and emerging threats.â€
–Robert Martinez Jr., President, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)
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