FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 16, 2025 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently approved the use of synthetic aviation turbine fuels (SATF) in the F-35 Lightning II. The new fuel sources will improve readiness by reducing reliance on the extended supply chain.

“Lockheed Martin is committed to ensuring the F-35 is always ready for any customer mission,” said Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin. “Adding new fuel sources helps make this happen by diversifying the supply chain while maintaining operational excellence. As the cornerstone of the joint fleet, the F-35 will continue to lead the U.S. and allied air dominance mission for decades to come."

What it means

• The approval allows F-35s to operate with synthetic blends at currently approved limits of up to 50 percent, depending on the type of raw materials and production pathway, combined with conventional jet fuel.
• Lockheed Martin completed comprehensive technical and strategic analysis to ensure SATF meets the strict performance and reliability standards required for the F-35’s complex, high-demand missions.
• The integration of SATF supports the Department of Defense’s objectives for energy substitution and diversification while enhancing energy resilience and operational flexibility.

What are SATFs?

• SATFs are derived from various raw materials, including fossil-based sources such as coal and natural gas, as well as renewable or sustainable sources like waste oils, agricultural residues and other non-fossil-based sources.

About the F-35

More than 1,100 F-35s are currently operational around the globe, and the fleet has surpassed 971,700 flight hours. F-35s operate from 33 bases worldwide, including 10 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.

###

Media Contact: Jacqueline Lorenzetti, Jacqueline.m.lorenzetti@lmco.com, +1 972-310-1979