The government refused to accept delivery of new F-35s for a year between 2023 and 2024, which led to jets being stockpiled at Lockheed Martin facilities.
NCIS is investigating the death of Alonzo Tablet Martin Jr., who was an instructor at Surface Combat Systems Training Command Middle Atlantic in Virginia.
Despite U.S. interest in deeper military ties with Vietnam, the Nov. 2 visit by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not yield an arms sales announcement.
When combined with another F-35 deal from December 2024, the Pentagon will pay Lockheed Martin about $24.3 billion for the 18th and 19th lots of the jets.