The horizontal tails on the first F-35 have been installed at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility, marking completion of major structural component assembly by the Joint Strike Fighter team, the company announced Tuesday. The next major milestone for the fifth generation fighter is engine installation in early 2006. Lockheed says Pratt & Whitney is scheduled to deliver the F135 engine to Texas before the end of December.
2026 NDAA: 5 Highlights for Airmen and Guardians
Dec. 18, 2025
President Donald Trump signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 18, a day after Congress passed the annual defense policy bill for the 65th consecutive year. Here’s what it means for the Air Force and Space Force.

