Rep. Veasey Announces $7.8B in Defense Contracts for Lockheed Martin Fort Worth for 71 More F-35s
WASHINGTON, D.C. --Today, Congressman Veasey announced that Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth was awarded two defense contracts that will keep 41 thousand people, in the state of Texas, working on the production of 71 F-35 Lightning II aircrafts for the Department of Defense.
The Department of Defense formally announced, on Friday, that the next two Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contracts, six and seven, of the Joint Strike Fighter program have been approved. The contracts are worth a combined $7.8 billion, much of which will be invested in the DFW area economy.
This is a significant step forward for the JSF program that will produce 71 Fifth Generation aircraft assembled in Fort Worth which will also include production of the first international jets for our partners Italy and Australia.
“This contract is good news for the Texas economy, is a major milestone for the F-35 Program, and reflects cost reduction initiatives shared by government and industry,” Rep. Veasey said. “As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and a member of the Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, I will continue to support programs like the F-35 that are not only critical to national security, but that boost our local economy, strengthen our national defense and bring jobs to the Metroplex.”
Keeping jobs in Texas’ 33rd Congressional district is a top priority for Rep. Veasey, and Lockheed Martin is one of the region’s largest employers. Rep. Veasey remains committed to supporting America’s troops by giving them the best tools in the field to get the job done and secure the safety of our nation.
Release Date: September 30, 2013
Contact: Jessica Coscia, 202-226-8365, jessicacoscia@mail.house.gov