Lockheed Martin stories

Sep 16, 2026

US approves $24.3 billion F-35 fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department approved the potential sale of up to 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the kingdom would receive the advanced stealth aircraft as it faces escalating threats from Houthi rebels.

Sep 16, 202611 sources

Aug 3, 2026

US signs deal to boost Patriot and THAAD missile parts production

The US signed a more than $3 billion deal with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to significantly increase production of Patriot and THAAD interceptor missile parts as conflicts in Iran and Ukraine strain stockpiles.

Aug 3, 20264 sources

May 5, 2026

Israel Approves $118 Billion Military Modernization, Orders More F-35 and F-15 Jets

Israel's government approved a decade-long $118 billion military modernization plan including purchase of additional F-35 and F-15IA combat squadrons from Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

May 5, 20263 sources

Top claims

▪US lawmakers have previously scrutinized arms deals with Riyadh following the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi
▪US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi opposed the F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia, warning that transferring the advanced fighter jets could allow China to access critical US military technology
▪The proposed $24.3 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, approved by the US Department of State on September 17, 2026, requires finalization and is expected to face opposition and scrutiny in the US Congress, which has the power to block the sale

Subtopics

Defense & military alliances3 Arms trade & proliferation2 Defense industrial base1 Houthi rebels1 Iran War1 Israeli domestic politics1 Middle East1 Middle East regional alliances & rivalries1 Northrop Grumman1 Russia-Ukraine war1 Saudi Arabia’s regional role1 Yemen1

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