WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has delivered 45 F-35 Lightning II aircraft this year, meeting the program production goal.

The F-35 Joint Program Office said the fighters delivered in 2015 include 26 F-35A variants for the U.S. Air Force, two F-35As for the Royal Norwegian Air Force, one F-35A for Italy, eight F-35Bs for the U.S. Marine Corps, and 8 F-35C aircraft for the U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps.


"Meeting aircraft production goals is a critical stepping stone in demonstrating the program is ready for the expected significant production ramp up," said Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan, F-35 Program Executive Officer. "It took thousands of people around the world to achieve this milestone and they should all be proud of what they accomplished."

Added Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin F-35 Program General Manager: "Delivering the most F-35s in program history is a clear demonstration of our growing maturity and stability. Congratulations to the entire government and industry team for their work to deliver 45 aircraft."

The F-35 Lightning II is to replace F-16 Fighting Falcon and A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 Hornet for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighters for at least 10 other countries.

The U.S. Marine Corps gave the aircraft Initial Operational Capability status in July and the U.S. Air Force and Navy expect the same status for their planes in 2016 and 2018, respectively.

A total of 154 F-35s have now been delivered to clients by Lockheed Martin.