Lockheed Martin has moved 18 F‑35 Lightning II and 12 F‑22 Raptor fighters to the Middle East, bringing the total U.S. Air Force presence in the region to more than 50 aircraft. The deployment is expected to be fully operational by mid‑March, making it the largest concentration of U.S. air power in the area since the 2003 Iraq invasion.
The move is part of a broader deterrence strategy amid heightened tensions with Iran and ongoing concerns over its nuclear program. By positioning advanced stealth fighters close to potential flashpoints, the United States signals its readiness to respond rapidly to any escalation while maintaining a credible deterrent posture.
Lockheed Martin’s earnings for Q4 2025 reflected the impact of this deployment. Revenue rose to $20.3 billion, up 6 % from $18.6 billion in Q4 2024, and earnings per share reached $5.80, beating analyst expectations of $5.75 by $0.05. The beat was driven by strong demand for the company’s core fighter programs, disciplined cost management, and favorable mix shifts toward higher‑margin sustainment contracts. The company’s backlog grew to $194 billion, underscoring continued confidence from the U.S. government and allied partners.
Investors welcomed the earnings beat and the record backlog, interpreting the results as evidence of Lockheed Martin’s robust execution and the sustained demand for its advanced air‑combat systems. Analysts highlighted the company’s ability to maintain profitability while scaling its flagship programs, reinforcing expectations of continued growth in the defense sector.
Looking ahead, the deployment could pave the way for additional sales and sustainment contracts in the Middle East, including potential arms sales to Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Lockheed Martin also announced a Q1 2026 dividend of $3.45 per share, reaffirming its commitment to shareholder returns while investing in future capabilities.
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