Lockheed Martin Fort Worth facility secures over $1B in military contracts

FORT WORTH, Texas — The U.S. Department of War has announced a major investment in North Texas aerospace, awarding Lockheed Martin military contracts totaling more than $1 billion. 

The bulk of the funding is tied directly to the F-35 aircraft program. These next-generation fighter jets are manufactured at Lockheed Martin's sprawling facility in Fort Worth, further cementing the city's status as a global leader in defense technology. 

According to the Department of War, the contracts will support the continued development and production of the F-35, ensuring the military maintains its edge in national security. 

The contract provides for the production and delivery of aircraft armament equipment, including “missile launchers, bomb racks, gun systems, pylons, and adapters in support of ensuring the functionality and readiness of various armaments to support F-35 aircraft delivery schedules†for U.S. military, according to the Department of War.

The news release also notes that “Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas.â€

The Fort Worth facility serves as the headquarters for Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics division. Described by the company as a “hub for cutting-edge aircraft development,” the site is where engineers and manufacturing teams work on the F-35 Lightning II program. 

Lockheed Martin officials note that the Fort Worth community provides a “perfect mix of urban excitement and small-town charm,” supporting a local workforce that develops “next-generation defense solutions that shape the future of aviation and national security.”

The new F-35 contracts come as the company also moves to expand its local defense footprint. In addition to aircraft manufacturing, recent plans indicate Lockheed Martin will “dramatically ramp up missile production” under a separate deal with federal officials. 

The increased activity at the facility aligns with Fort Worth's status as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., offering a thriving job market fueled heavily by the defense industry.