After losing out to Boeing in the high-stakes Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) race, Lockheed Martin isn’t licking its wounds — it’s gearing up for a major comeback.
The world’s largest defense contractor is now considering a souped-up “fifth-generation-plus” version of its F-35 fighter jet, promising around 80 percent of the advanced capabilities expected in the futuristic F-47, but with a much friendlier price tag.
The bottom line? The company wants to give customers a powerful alternative to sixth-gen fighters, but at half the cost.
“We’re basically going to take the [F-35] chassis and turn it into a Ferrari,” said Lockheed CEO Jim Taiclet. “It’s like a NASCAR upgrade, where we would take the F-35 [and] apply some of those co-funded technologies both from NGAD and the F-35 program.”
The F-35 “Plus” could include next-gen upgrades like an advanced passive infrared radar system, though Lockheed is keeping the full specs under wraps — for now.
Tough Losses, New Focus
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump announced Boeing as the big winner of the US Air Force’s NGAD contract, which will lead to the development of the all-new F-47 stealth jet.
Lockheed also lost out on the US Navy’s own NGAD program, reportedly falling short of technical requirements.
The company said it is doubling down on refining current platforms and positioning itself for future wins.
Lockheed is also downplaying the NGAD setback, suggesting the long-term impact won’t be felt for years, and that plenty of opportunities still lie ahead.
“Even with the NGAD loss, that was probably more impactful farther out in the future than over the next few years,” said Maria Ricciardone, Lockheed’s VP for investor relations. “[It’s] more than offset by some of these other opportunities that we’re seeing.”
