News - Defense Chief Calls for Faster Military Production at Lockheed Martin

In a bold move to invigorate America’s defense capabilities, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivered a powerful message at Lockheed Martin's facility in Fort Worth, urging the company and its peers to accelerate their production efforts. Addressing several hundred attendees, including employees and dignitaries, Hegseth stood beside an F-35 fighter jet, emphasizing the Trump administration's crackdown on bureaucracy and commitment to rapid, efficient military advancements. The gathering was a pivotal part of Hegseth's 'Arsenal of Freedom' tour aimed at revitalizing the nation's industrial defense sector. Joining him were U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, as well as Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, underscoring bipartisan support for the administration’s agenda. Hegseth highlighted President Trump's recent executive order, which targets executive compensation and stock buybacks at defense firms not meeting production goals or making necessary investments. Hegseth reiterated the administration's aim to foster a 'warrior ethos,' reflecting renewed vigor in military strategy and expenditures. He confidently projected that Lockheed Martin, a cornerstone of U.S. military manufacturing known for its F-35 fighter jets, would thrive under these intensified expectations. The F-35, integral to U.S. and allied defense, boasts an annual economic impact of $72 billion and sustains over 250,000 jobs globally. Despite past setbacks, with Congressional requests for F-35s cut in half, the jet remains a linchpin in U.S. tactical operations, recently utilized in pivotal defense missions. Hegseth’s remarks underscored the necessity for rapid advancements and open architectural designs in defense manufacturing, promising that success would hinge on the dedication and innovation of Lockheed’s workforce, a significant portion of which are military veterans. Looking ahead, the need for agility and ambition was clear, with Hegseth encouraging defense firms to seize opportunities for investment and innovation, backed by assured demands from the newly coined Department of War.