WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2026 — “Every F-35 starts with a union machinist. In Fort Worth, in Connecticut and across a supply chain that reaches 48 states, IAM Union members are building the most advanced fighter in the world.
“A 10-year contract would give suppliers the confidence to invest, keep specialized skills in the shop and put skilled union workers on firmer ground, giving thousands of working families confidence in their long-term job prospects. It would also save taxpayers an estimated $9 billion to $10 billion and fund the spare parts and repair capacity that keep jets flying.
“Congress has two decisions to make: authorize the 10-year contract and fully fund the 85 aircraft planned for fiscal 2027.
“Our members take great pride in building this aircraft, and they are ready to keep building it. A long-term commitment from Congress would give them and their suppliers the certainty to do just that.”
IAM Union Backs 10-Year F-35 Contract, Urges Congress to Authorize and Fully Fund Program
IAM Union says long-term commitment protects skilled union jobs, saves taxpayers billions and keeps more jets mission-ready
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2026 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) today announced its support for a proposed 10-year F-35 Lightning II procurement and sustainment contract and called on Congress to provide the authority needed to execute it in the final Fiscal Year 2027 defense authorization and appropriations bills.
IAM members build the F-35 at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas, facility and produce F135 engines at Pratt & Whitney facilities in Connecticut and across the country.
“IAM Union members build this aircraft with their hands, and they build it to last,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “A 10-year commitment tells suppliers and workers that Washington is serious about this program. It protects good union jobs, saves taxpayers money and gets increased capability into the hands of our warfighters, faster. Congress should authorize it.”
Program estimates show a 10-year arrangement would save taxpayers $9 billion to $10 billion over the decade, though final prices must still be negotiated. Buying one year at a time, by contrast, makes it harder for suppliers to plan and purchase efficiently.
A longer planning horizon would let suppliers invest and retain specialized skills rather than react to one-year signals. The impact on suppliers alone would be significant: the F-35 supply chain includes more than 1,900 suppliers in 48 states and Puerto Rico and supports more than 317,000 U.S. jobs.
A longer horizon would also enable Lockheed Martin to invest more than $7 billion in sustainment, which the program says is essential to its goal of an 80% mission-capable fleet by 2030. The IAM noted that buying aircraft is not the same as having them ready to fly. Funded spare parts and repair capacity make the difference.
The announcement follows a bipartisan letter from members of Congress, supported by the IAM, urging multiyear procurement authority and a minimum of 85 aircraft in fiscal 2027.
“Our members take great pride in building this aircraft, and they are ready to keep building it,” Bryant said. “A long-term commitment from Congress would give them and their suppliers the certainty to do just that.”
The IAM Union represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, manufacturing, transit, healthcare, automotive and other industries.
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