WASHINGTON, June 27, 2026 — A bipartisan coalition of 15 U.S. governors has urged Congress to fully fund the Pentagon's request for 85 F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), describing the fifth-generation aircraft as essential to U.S. military readiness and a major contributor to the nation's defense industrial base.
In coordinated letters sent to senior lawmakers on congressional defense authorization and appropriations committees, the governors called for maintaining a strong production rate to support operational requirements, preserve industrial capacity, and ensure long-term fleet readiness. They also urged Congress to approve multiyear procurement authority, arguing that longer-term contracts would reduce costs, improve production efficiency, and provide greater stability for the nationwide supplier network.
The bipartisan coalition includes Governors Greg Abbott (Texas), Kelly Ayotte (New Hampshire), Mike DeWine (Ohio), Maura T. Healey (Massachusetts), Katie Hobbs (Arizona), Kay Ivey (Alabama), Brian P. Kemp (Georgia), Tina Kotek (Oregon), Joe Lombardo (Nevada), Henry Dargan McMaster (South Carolina), Tate Reeves (Mississippi), Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Arkansas), Philip B. Scott (Vermont), Mikie Sherrill (New Jersey), and Josh Stein (North Carolina).
States Highlight Economic and Industrial Contributions
The governors emphasized that the F-35 program supports thousands of suppliers across the United States, generating high-skilled manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, and logistics jobs while strengthening the country's defense industrial base.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott noted that the F-35 is the only fifth-generation stealth fighter currently in production in the United States and is manufactured at U.S. Air Force Plant 4 in Fort Worth. He said the program supports approximately 49,000 direct and indirect jobs, works with more than 141 suppliers, and contributes over $10 billion annually to Texas' economy.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine highlighted Ohio's role in manufacturing F-35 bulkheads and supporting global fleet sustainment. According to DeWine, the program supports 391 companies, approximately 15,300 jobs, and generates more than $2.9 billion in annual economic impact within the state.
Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp stated that more than one-quarter of every F-35 aircraft takes shape at Lockheed Martin's Marietta facility, while Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs said the program supports nearly 14,000 jobs and relies on 41 small and medium-sized suppliers across Arizona.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek highlighted Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, which has been selected as the Air Force's third formal F-35A training unit. She said the program supports 4,800 jobs, involves 18 suppliers, and contributes approximately $670 million annually to Oregon's economy.
Operational Support Network
Several governors also emphasized the infrastructure that supports the operational fleet after aircraft delivery.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein highlighted Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, home to operational F-35B and F-35C squadrons, along with depot-level maintenance performed at Fleet Readiness Center East, describing sustainment as a critical element of overall fleet readiness.
South Carolina Governor Henry Dargan McMaster pointed to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort as a primary East Coast training and operational center for the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant.
Call for Stable Long-Term Procurement
The governors' request supports the Pentagon's proposal to procure 85 F-35 aircraft in Fiscal Year 2027, including 38 F-35As for the U.S. Air Force. They argued that granting multiyear procurement authority would enable production optimization, economic order quantity purchasing, and predictable demand for suppliers throughout the defense industrial base.
The proposal aligns with provisions in the House Armed Services Committee's draft FY2027 NDAA, which would allow the Department of Defense to negotiate procurement contracts covering up to five years.
The governors also noted that the F-35 program delivered 191 aircraft last year, demonstrating the maturity of the production line. They said maintaining consistent production is important for meeting U.S. military requirements, supporting allied operators, and sustaining the nationwide industrial network responsible for manufacturing, training, maintenance, and long-term fleet support.
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