IFC 2024: Lockheed Martin touts further potential for F-35 in Europe

Norway (aircraft pictured) is one of 14 European customers that are contracted to the F-35 programme or have said that they intend to. Lockheed Martin says there is further potential for additional sales in the region. (Royal Norwegian Air Force)

Lockheed Martin says there is potential for further European countries to join the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme to add to the 14 that have either already signed up or have said that they intend to.

JR McDonald, vice-president of F-35 Strategy and Business Development at Lockheed Martin, made the assertion while speaking at the IQPC International Fighter (IFC) 2024 Conference in Berlin on 6 November.

“We see at least a couple more European countries maybe joining the programme,” he said.

To date, the F-35 has been contracted in Europe by Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Romania is expected to sign a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) before the end of 2024, while McDonald noted Portugal's interest and is looking forward to continued dialogue with the Portuguese Air Force.

Although McDonald did not divulge whom the other ‘couple' of potential European participants might be, Spain is the most realistic near- to mid-term opportunity with both an air force and a navy requirement, while Austria has also said that it is considering the jet for its post-2030 requirements. At the same time, as new European customers are potentially joining the programme, some of those that are already members are looking to increase their orders.