The United States and China are the top dogs when it comes to producing combat jets, with the US having a bit more transparency thanks to companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing sharing their production numbers. Meanwhile, China’s figures are more of a guessing game. In the US, Boeing and Lockheed Martin are the big names behind tactical fighter jets, but let’s not forget Northrop Grumman. They’re a key player in the F-35 program and are also working on some secretive stealth drones. While the US is also making strides in jet-powered unmanned aircraft, like the RQ-180 and loyal wingman drones, we’ll stick to manned combat aircraft for now.
Currently, the US is rolling out four main types of frontline fighter jets: the Boeing F-15EX Strike II, Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Boeing’s T-7 Red Hawk advanced trainer is also entering production, and Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider stealth bomber is in the early stages of production. While Boeing has developed a sixth-generation fighter, the F-47, it’s not yet in full production. As for other military jets, the US isn’t producing any jet-powered transports right now, but specialized aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon and KC-46A tanker are being delivered.
Looking ahead to 2024, the US delivered 110 F-35 Lightning II jets, 16 F-16 Fighting Falcons, 14 F-15EX Eagle IIs, and 11 F/A-18 Super Hornets. The Navy is wrapping up its orders for the Super Hornet, with production expected to end by 2027. The F-16s are still being made, but only for export. Despite some hiccups with its Technology Refresh-3 update, Lockheed Martin hit its target of 110 F-35s in 2024 and aims to ramp up to 156+ annually in the future.
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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
