The Pentagon has taken steps to buy a total of 850 F-35 fighter planes from Lockheed Martin Company over the next 10 years, in what constitutes the longest-term engagement amid the latest efforts of the Trump administration to prepare suppliers for wartime production.

The new framework agreement, proclaimed Thursday, includes 850 F-35 Lighting aircraft II for the American Army, hundreds more for international clients, as well as spare parts and other equipment.

The deal would ensure the implementation of the defence company’s plan to produce 156 aircraft per year in the coming years.

The Department of Defence said Lockheed Martin has agreed to finance $7 billion of investments from its sources to support the long-term production plan.

The announced agreement today represents a step towards the final contract, which to finalise would require funds of tens of billions of dollars from Congress.

The radar – undetectable fighter aircraft program has already been described as the world’s most expensive weapons program, at $2 trillion projected cost throughout the life cycle, for aircraft purchase, operation, and maintenance.

Pentagon officials have said clear multiyear purchase commitments help increase the efficiency of arms procurement.

Suppliers involved in military programs often complain that the unstable financing from Congress makes long – term planning difficult.

This multi-year framework agreement strengthens the way we can plan and invest in the F-3550 programme, said Jim Ticlet, executive director of Lockheed Martin. / AA/