Overview

• CEO Jim Taiclet said discussions are "very active" at senior levels and could reach the White House soon, though agencies have not commented publicly.
• He said there is no contract and any eventual deal may be largely classified, limiting what investors can see.
• Lockheed estimates 1,000 to 1,500 of roughly 2,300 remaining F-35s could be produced in the upgraded configuration, with exportability uncertain.
• The company claims roughly "80% of six‑gen capability at half the price" and cites potential additions including new weapons, improved stealth coating, advanced electronic warfare, new radar, and possibly a more capable engine or optional manning.
• The discussions unfold as a GAO report puts Block 4 modernization completion around 2031 with reduced scope, which could affect when new capabilities are fielded.