Summary Projected F-35 builds range from 3,000 to 3,500 worldwide, with over 1,000 already built. US Air Force is the largest F-35 customer; approx. 50% of total jets (F-35A variant) expected.
International orders expected to total 700 to 800, with notable buyers including Japan and the UK. 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.
United States Air Force The US Air Force is by far the largest customer for the F-35 and is expected to order around 50% of the total F-35s. All Air Force F-35s are the F-35A variant, and around 1,763 fighter jets are expected to be purchased eventually by the service. The Air Force first declared F-35 Initial Operational Capability in August 2016.
F-35 program in 2024: US Air Force FY 2025 procurement: 42 (planned) US Navy FY 2025 procurement: 13 (planned - possibly rise to 19) US Marines FY 2025 procurement: 13 (plan.