PRAGUE, Czech Republic, March 18, 2026 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has signed all 11 of its committed industrial cooperation project agreements for the F-35 Lightning II Czech Republic program. The announcement follows a signing ceremony with Ray Service at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence today, formally commemorating a project in which Lockheed Martin will assist Ray Service in standing up the capability to manufacture F-35 wire harnesses.
“With today’s signing, I’m pleased to share that Lockheed Martin is actively executing all 11 of our committed projects, strengthening Czech industry, the F-35 program and the collective defense industrial base,” said Karl Sapienza, Lockheed Martin F-35 Customer Programs director. “We are proud to drive purposeful innovation and advance allied defense capability with Ray Service and all our Czech partners.”
“Today’s agreement is a powerful example of how strategic defense investments fuel our economies while strengthening our bonds,” said Nicholas Merrick, U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic. “By integrating Czech talent into the global F-35 supply chain through partners like Ray Service, we are ensuring American innovation and Czech expertise work hand-in-hand. This collaboration underscores our ‘ironclad’ commitment to collective security. As agreed at the Hague Summit, meeting our capability targets and defense spending commitments is essential to maintaining a strong NATO. When we invest in 5th Generation capabilities, we are making a generational investment in the deterrence that keeps our alliance prepared for any challenge.”
Lockheed Martin’s commitments with Czech industry include collaboration with 12 companies and universities. All projects support Czech government requirements, focusing generally on the research, development, design, testing and manufacturing of advanced aerospace and defense technologies. The F-35 program will create jobs for the next 50-60 years, with opportunities for the Czech Republic ranging from training and supply chain management to modifications and upgrades.
With production of its 24 F-35As targeted to begin in 2027, the Czech Air Force will soon join the rapidly growing number of services operating the F-35 in Europe. By operating the world’s most advanced, connected and survivable fighter aircraft alongside more than 700 allied F-35s in Europe, the Czech Republic will have the 5th Generation capabilities and interoperability required to counter and deter evolving threats.
About the F-35
More than 1,300 F-35s are currently operational around the globe, and the fleet has surpassed 1 million flight hours. The combat-proven F-35 operates from 50 bases worldwide, including 11 nations operating on home soil. As adversaries advance and legacy aircraft age, the F-35 is critical to maintaining air dominance for decades to come.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.