How Many F-35 Lightning II Fighter Jets Will Lockheed Martin Build?

In an email to Simple Flying, Lockheed Martin clarified many of the current production numbers of the F-35, although the exact number of F-35s that will eventually be built is uncertain. However, it is expected that between the US service branches and international purchases, at least 3,000 and perhaps over 3,500 will be built over the program’s lifetime. This means up to a third of expected F-35s have already been built (Lockheed recently announced it has delivered the 1,000th F-35). Lockheed Martin’s F-35 is now more numerous than all other fifth-generation fighter jets combined. It is expected to remain the most popular and widely operated stealth jet for years to come.