Lockheed Martin Announces ‘Ferrari’ Version Of The F-35

Lockheed’s “Ferrari” F-35: A Next-Gen Fighter Without the NGAD Price Tag

After losing its bid for the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, Lockheed Martin is pivoting hard—repurposing its advanced technologies into a bold new vision: an upgraded, “fifth-generation-plus” F-35, which executives say could deliver 80% of sixth-gen capability at half the cost.

“We’re basically going to take the [F-35’s] chassis and turn it into a Ferrari,” said Lockheed CEO Jim Taiclet, who emphasized affordability, speed, and exportability as top priorities.

NGAD Lessons, Reapplied

Rather than protest the NGAD contract awarded to Boeing (for the aircraft now called the F-47), Lockheed plans to inject NGAD innovations directly into the F-35 and F-22 Raptor, including:

• Passive infrared sensors for stealthy threat detection
• Extreme low observability through advanced materials and possible airframe redesigns
• Modular stealth communications and countermeasures 
• Longer-range missiles like the AIM-260
• Adaptive engines with better speed, power, and electrical output
• Stealth fuel tanks and expanded range 

These upgrades are already in progress through government-funded R&D, internal investment, and the F-35’s Block 4 modernization. Some technology, like stealthy communications and infrared tracking, is already being tested on the F-22.

A Fifth-Gen+ Fighter for Less

While NGAD is expected to cost well over $300 million per aircraft, Lockheed’s “Ferrari F-35” could cost around $150 million, leveraging the global fleet of over 3,500 F-35s. The goal is to meet the threat at scale without blowing budgets.

“Let’s get 80% of sixth-gen capability at half the price,” Taiclet challenged his team. “These engineers wouldn’t have agreed if they didn’t think there was a path to get there.”

Reality Check from the Air Force

Despite the hype, Air Force leadership appears to have been caught off guard. Maj. Gen. Joseph Kunkel said there had been no discussions with Lockheed about the fifth-gen-plus F-35. The F-35 Joint Program Office also declined to comment, calling the concept “entirely notional.”

Still, Lockheed remains optimistic, betting that its hybrid approach—merging proven fifth-gen platforms with NGAD-era tech—will appeal to a cost-conscious Pentagon and allied nations worldwide.

“Best value for the customer with a limited budget and an increasing threat,” Taiclet said. “That’s how we win.”