The United States maintains its position as the leading manufacturer of fighter jets, producing over 300 aircraft annually. As of 2025, major players in this field include Boeing and Lockheed Martin, known for their iconic aircraft such as the F-16, F-15, and F-35. The complexity and cost of modern fighter jets have risen significantly, prompting a gradual shift towards a predominantly fifth-generation fleet.
Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor assembly line ceased operations in 2011, and Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet production is slated to end in 2027. Despite these closures, production continues robustly for other models. Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II remains in high demand, while Boeing ramps up its F-15EX Eagle II production in response to both domestic and international orders.
Current Production Rates and Future Trends
The current production figures reflect the ongoing transition in the US military’s fleet composition. The F-35, with its three variants, is a significant contributor to these numbers. Recent production rates include:
– Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II: 20 to 23 jets per month
– Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon: 3.5 to 4 jets per month
– Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet: 1.5 to 2 jets per month
– Boeing F-15EX Eagle II: 1.5 to 2 jets per month
These figures result in a total of 318 to 372 aircraft annually. Lockheed Martin aims to increase its F-35 deliveries further, having achieved its highest monthly output of 23 jets in April 2025. The company is working to overcome previous production challenges, including delays related to the integration of the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) package.
The demand for the F-16 also remains robust, with Lockheed Martin reporting ongoing orders from countries such as Bahrain, Bulgaria, and Taiwan. The production is expected to rise steadily, with plans to increase output from five jets in 2023 to between 23 to 26 jets in 2025.
Emerging Technologies and International Cooperation
As the US military advances towards sixth-generation technology, the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative is gaining traction. Boeing is set to commence development of the F-47, a sixth-generation stealth fighter, following a commitment in the Pentagon’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This program underscores the US commitment to maintaining air superiority in a rapidly evolving defense landscape.
Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin continues to enhance its F-35 program, which has garnered extensive international interest. The aircraft’s variants are operational with multiple allied nations, including NATO members and Japan. The F-35’s advanced stealth capabilities and sensor technology have established it as a cornerstone of modern aerial combat.
Boeing’s F-15EX is also being positioned for future success, with plans to deliver two aircraft per month by the end of 2026. The Eagle II’s advanced features, including modern avionics and a versatile mission systems architecture, are designed to counter threats posed by peer adversaries.
Despite the impending end of F/A-18 Super Hornet production, Boeing has secured a recent contract for 17 additional Super Hornets, extending the program’s life until 2027. This contract reflects Boeing’s efforts to balance production between legacy systems and newer models.
The landscape of military aviation is shifting, and the US remains at the forefront of fighter jet development. With a production capacity exceeding 300 jets annually, the country is poised to meet both current and future demands in global defense. As international partnerships strengthen and new technologies emerge, the future of US air power looks promising, ensuring its continued leadership in the skies.
