F-35 Stealth Fighter Is A Powerhouse: But a Labor Strike Is Now Possible
Remember the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II Strike from last year? Could there be another strike by the workers who create one of the U.S. military’s most important jets?
It’s much too early to say. But on Thursday, members of the union representing workers who build the F-35 for Lockheed Martin stated that talks have begun for a new contract.
Yes, that $2 trillion program could be facing a strike.
The F-35 Strike of 2026: What Could Happen
IAM District 776, the union that represents 5,000 workers in Fort Worth—as well as others at Naval Air Station Pax River in Maryland and Edwards Air Force Base in California—announced the beginning of talks with Lockheed.
“The bargaining committee, along with District leadership, International President Brian Bryant, and members of the IAM Executive Council, delivered a strong message to the company: this highly skilled and dedicated workforce is committed to achieving a fair and equitable agreement commensurate with the respect the membership has earned,” the union stated.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Melanie “Mach” Kluesner, pilot for the F-35A Demonstration Team, preforms high-speed aerial maneuvers during a practice demonstration at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Jan. 6, 2026. The team practices during their off-season to ensure that they are always sharp and ready to demonstrate the capabilities of the F-35A and the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rupiper)
“Our membership here at Lockheed Martin manufactures the best next-generation fighters for the U.S. military and militaries across the globe,” IAM District 776 President Doyle Huddleston said in the union’s statement. “An agreement for the membership, their families, and communities must be as strong as the products they produce.”
The union had announced in January that they held a preparation session for the negotiations, participating in a prep course at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center.
“Prep week gives committee members the tools to face Lockheed and ensures success,” Huddleston, the district president, said in the January announcement. “Our members expect us to go in there and secure them the best contract we can. This will be possible in part because of the tools we gain this week.”
Fighting For Funding
The statement notes that IAM District 776 has long fought for increased funding for the F-35 program, something that they note has bipartisan support in Congress.
“Now it’s time to negotiate a solid agreement that is crucial for IAM District 776 families, the Fort Worth community, the entire state of Texas, and the aerospace industry. The F-35 program supply chain supports over 250,000 jobs and nearly 2,000 suppliers spanning 48 states and Puerto Rico,” the union stated.
“This committee was elected by our membership to represent them at this table, and I could not be prouder of the group we have assembled,” IAM Union International President Brian Bryant said in the release. “These dedicated, experienced leaders understand the responsibility they have and are here to secure a fair agreement with the full confidence of the membership behind them.”
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off during a joint service flyover in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 26, 2026. Aircraft participated in a coordinated event to demonstrate joint service readiness and maritime capabilities. The 31st MEU is a persistent, combat credible force operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations, routinely interacting and operating with our allies and partners to contribute to deterrence, security, crisis response, and combat operations in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)
The current agreement ends at midnight on June 14.
“This committee, our leadership, and our members are all ready to get to the table to hammer out the best agreement we can,” IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin said in the Thursday announcement. “Today and over the next several months, we are going to demand a contract that provides security and growth in the future.”
The union’s statement lists “growing employer 401(k) contributions, controlling health care costs, and improving the current wage progression” as their main priorities in the talks.
The 2025 Strike
Nine-hundred United Auto Workers members who work for Lockheed Martin in Orlando and Denver went on strike in the spring of 2025. That strike involved the space division and was settled after about a month. According to a Denver Business Journal report, “the contract bumped the starting wage 25% for the company’s unionized workers in maintenance, production and transportation, increasing it from $15 to $20 per hour.”
An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, sit on the flight line during base-wide operational readiness exercise BH 26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 3, 2025. Kadena serves as a critical element in deterring potential adversaries through its demonstrated strength and commitment to regional security.
(U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Jonathan Sifuentes)
As for the District 776 union, its machinists went on strike in April 2003, at a time when they were working on the “F-16 Fighting Falcon, major portions of the F/A-22 Raptor, and components for Japan’s F-2 fighter,” Lockheed stated at the time. The strike was settled after about two weeks, and the machinists returned to work.
F-35s in Iran
The labor talks arrive as the F-35 plays a prominent role in U.S. military operations in Iran.
“The U.S. is using carrier-based F-35C fighter jets to conduct deep stealth strikes inside Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury, bringing long-range, low-observable combat power directly from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln,” Army Recognition reported. “Operating from the sea, these jets can penetrate contested airspace and strike without relying on vulnerable regional bases, giving U.S. forces a more resilient way to sustain pressure against Iranian targets.”
Also during this war, a U.S. F-35 was struck on March 19. It is believed to be the first time an F-35 has been hit by enemy fire in combat. The jet successfully made an emergency landing at a base in the Middle East, although the pilot was wounded. Iranian state media released a video of what they claimed was the jet being struck, although that video has not been confirmed as authentic.
A North American Aerospace Defense Command F-35 Lightning II aircraft with the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing, in-flight over Greenland Oct. 9, 2025. Operating in the Arctic provides the flexibility and adaptability needed to overcome logistical hurdles in a dynamic and unforgiving environment. Greenland, as part of the Kingdom of Denmark has long played an important role in the defense of North America, which strengthens NORAD’s ability to protect the continent from today’s threats and emerging challenges from all approaches. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 2d Lt Cameron Lewis)
Meanwhile, Cyber Daily in Australia reported that an Iranian hacking collective called APT Iran claims it hacked the F-35 Block 4’s technical documentation; Lockheed has strongly denied the claim.
“We are aware of the reports and have policies and procedures in place to mitigate cyber threats to our business,” a Lockheed Martin spokesperson told Cyber Daily. “We remain confident in the integrity of our robust, multi-layered information systems and data security.”
Lockheed later issued a stronger, second statement: “There is no evidence indicating these reports are accurate. We remain confident in the integrity of our robust, multi-layered information systems and data security and continue to actively monitor and protect our networks.”
About the Author: Stephen Silver
Stephen Silver is an award-winning journalist, essayist, and film critic, and contributor to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Broad Street Review, and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. For over a decade, Stephen has authored thousands of articles that focus on politics, national security, technology, and the economy. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @StephenSilver, and subscribe to his Substack newsletter.
