INDEX / DIRECTORY / LOCKHEED MARTIN / V-MIL

Lockheed Martin V-MIL

MILITARY AUDIT UPDATED 2026-05-31
V-MIL Score 9.50 /10 A Lockheed Martin — BDS-1000 815
V-MIL 9.50

Evidence-only forensic audit. Scoring happens downstream — see the main dossier for the composite assessment.

V-MIL Domain Audit — Lockheed Martin

Audit Target: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Audit Phase: V-MIL Audit
Audit Date: 2025

Direct Defence Contracting & Procurement

Lockheed Martin serves as a primary defence prime contractor supplying the Israeli Air Force (IAF) through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism. All documented procurement agreements are executed via government-to-government FMS channels, under which contractual privity exists between Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Department of Defense, with Israel as the designated end-user.

The F-35I ‘Adir’ programme represents the flagship element of Lockheed Martin’s defence relationship with Israel. Israel signed the initial procurement agreement in 2010 and received its first two aircraft in December 2016. As of January 2026, Israel has taken delivery of 48 F-35I aircraft, with a total of 50 on order 123. In April 2024, the Israeli Ministry of Defense signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for 25 additional F-35 aircraft, valued at approximately $3 billion and funded through U.S. Foreign Military Financing. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2028 at a rate of 3-5 aircraft per year, expanding the fleet to 75 total 4. The Israeli government approved a fourth F-35 squadron in May 2026, comprising 25 additional aircraft, which will bring the total fleet to approximately 100 aircraft as part of an estimated $118 billion decade-long force-building plan 56.

The CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter programme constitutes a second major FMS transaction. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress in July 2021 (Notification 21-52) of a potential FMS sale valued at approximately $3.4 billion 1. Israel signed the FMS agreement on December 30, 2021. A mission systems contract was signed in March 2025 with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, to integrate Israeli mission systems into all 12 aircraft. Assembly is underway at Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut, with first delivery expected in 2028 17.

The IAF operates C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, with sustainment and follow-on support maintained through the FMS system 3. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the PAC-3 MSE interceptor missile, which forms a key component of Israel’s integrated air defence architecture within the Patriot system. The United States supplied additional PAC-3 MSE interceptors to Israel via FMS in 2024 to replenish stocks expended in active air defence operations 3.

Lockheed Martin produces JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) tail-kit guidance assemblies that convert unguided bombs into GPS/INS-guided precision munitions. Large quantities of JDAM kits were supplied to Israel before and after October 7, 2023. In May 2024, the Biden administration paused a specific FMS shipment of approximately 1,800 × 2,000-lb bomb kits (GBU-31 JDAM-configured MK-84 bombs) citing concerns about potential use in densely populated areas, including Rafah. This pause was reversed by the Trump administration following its inauguration in January 2025 89.

Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the AGM-114 Hellfire missile family, which is extensively used by IAF AH-64 Apache helicopters and armed UAVs. Multiple DSCA FMS notifications document Hellfire supply to Israel across the period 2018-2024 3.

All Israeli procurement of Lockheed Martin platforms occurs through the U.S. FMS mechanism. The 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation commits $38 billion in U.S. military assistance over ten years through 2028 2.

Dual-Use Products & Tactical Variants

All Lockheed Martin products supplied to Israel are purpose-built military systems. There is no civilian variant distinction applicable to the primary product lines relevant to this audit. The F-35I ‘Adir’, F-16 variants, C-130J, CH-53K, Hellfire missiles, JDAM kits, and PAC-3 MSE interceptors are all military-specific systems with no civilian counterparts 3.

No public evidence identified of dual-use products (consumer electronics, general-purpose software, commercial infrastructure) being supplied to Israeli military end-users through commercial channels.

Heavy Machinery, Construction & Infrastructure

Lockheed Martin is a defence electronics, aerospace, and missile systems prime contractor. Its product portfolio does not include heavy construction machinery, earthmoving equipment, bulldozers, demolition systems, or civil engineering equipment 3.

No public evidence has been identified of Lockheed Martin equipment being documented in the context of settlement construction, separation barrier construction, or checkpoint and detention facility infrastructure in the occupied territories. Lockheed Martin’s supplied platforms are air-domain military systems, not ground-based construction equipment 3.

The UN OHCHR Settlement Business Enterprises Database, most recently updated in 2025 and maintained pursuant to HRC resolutions 31/36 and 53/25, lists 158 business enterprises from 11 countries engaged in construction, real estate, mining, quarrying, and similar civilian-commercial activities in the West Bank. Lockheed Martin is not included in this database 1011. The database scope covers civilian settlement activities rather than arms manufacturers supplying combat systems via government-to-government FMS channels.

IAF combat aircraft including F-35I and F-16 platforms sustained by Lockheed Martin have conducted airstrikes over the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. The factual record establishes that Lockheed Martin platforms are used by the IAF in operations extending over occupied territories 12.

No public evidence identified of Lockheed Martin holding construction, engineering services, or infrastructure development contracts in Israel or the occupied Palestinian territories.

Supply Chain Integration with Defence Primes

Under the F-35 global supply chain, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)—specifically its Lahav and Bedek Divisions—is designated as a Tier 1/2 supplier for specific F-35 structural components and maintenance/repair/overhaul (MRO) services. IAI’s work-share covers composite wing sections and structural assemblies, as well as regional MRO capability for F-35 aircraft. The foundational work-share agreement was formalized in 2014 and has continued as F-35 production has scaled. IAI delivered its 350th F-35 wing to Lockheed Martin in February 2026, with a contract extending through 2034 for potentially 800+ wing sets with a potential value exceeding $2 billion 1314.

The IAF’s F-16 Barak upgrade programme integrates Elbit Systems avionics onto the Lockheed Martin F-16 airframe. This constitutes an indirect supply relationship: Lockheed Martin supplies the platform and sustainment; Elbit Systems acts as the Israeli systems integrator supplying upgraded avionics to the IAF customer 3.

Elbit Systems (through its Cyclone subsidiary) was awarded a contract valued at more than $34 million for F-35 ‘Adir’ extended-range capability (external fuel tanks), including development and integration 15.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems partnered with Lockheed Martin on the SPICE weapon system development (2021) and HELWS/IRON BEAM laser cooperation (2022) for the American market 3.

Lockheed Martin’s Umbrella Industrial Cooperation Agreement (UICA) with Israel was extended through 2029. Lockheed Martin has invested over $4 billion in Israel to date, with $470 million locally invested during the 2020-2024 period 15.

Lockheed Martin maintains a registered Israeli subsidiary, Lockheed Martin Israel Ltd., registered with the Israel Corporations Authority in August 2014, operating from Berkovitz 4, Tel Aviv-Yafo. The subsidiary focuses on cybersecurity, data centers, mobile, analytics, and cloud activities, engaging in acquisitions, partnerships, and investments 16.

Logistical Sustainment & Base Services

Lockheed Martin holds sustainment contracts via FMS for all major IAF platforms it has supplied, including the F-35, F-16, and C-130J fleets. These contracts cover spare parts supply, technical support services, software updates and mission data file management, and depot-level maintenance support. The geographic scope of these services covers IAF operational bases within Israel proper—principally Nevatim Air Base (F-35 primary operating base), Ramon, and Ramat David. No public evidence identifies Lockheed Martin sustainment services specifically at installations within the West Bank, Golan Heights, or other occupied territories 3.

If the CH-53K FMS sale is finalized, Lockheed Martin Sikorsky would be the contracted sustainment provider for the Israeli CH-53K fleet 1.

In October 2024, following Iranian ballistic missile attacks, the United States deployed U.S.-operated THAAD batteries to Israel. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the THAAD system. The deployed batteries are U.S. military assets operated by U.S. military personnel, not an Israeli FMS purchase. This represents direct use of a Lockheed Martin-produced strategic defence system on Israeli territory under U.S. operational control 3.

No base-services, facilities management, catering, utilities, or waste-management contracts identified. Lockheed Martin does not operate in these sectors.

Munitions, Weapons Systems & Strategic Platforms

Lockheed Martin is the sole prime contractor for all F-35 variants. Israel has taken delivery of 48 F-35I ‘Adir’ aircraft, with orders for up to 75 (two additional aircraft due in 2026). The F-35I has been used operationally by the IAF in strike missions over Gaza, Syria, and other theatres since at least 2021, including missions conducted after October 7, 2023. Former IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi confirmed heavy F-35I use in Gaza in November 2023. In March 2025, an Israeli F-35I shot down an Iranian Yak-130, marking the first F-35 combat kill 125.

Israel operates one of the world’s largest F-16 fleets—approximately 175 aircraft across multiple variants. Lockheed Martin holds ongoing sustainment, spare-parts supply, and upgrade-support contracts for this fleet via FMS 3.

Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the AGM-114 Hellfire missile family, used by IAF AH-64 Apache helicopters and armed UAVs for precision ground attack. Confirmed FMS supply across multiple years including 2024 3.

JDAM guidance kits were supplied in large quantities post-October 7, 2023. The May 2024 pause was reversed in January 2025. Transfers of other JDAM variants and other munitions continued throughout, including during the 2024 pause period 89.

PAC-3 MSE interceptors were supplied via FMS in 2024 to replenish stocks following active use of Israel’s layered air defence network. The PAC-3 MSE operates within the Patriot system as the terminal-defence interceptor layer 3.

The C-130J Super Hercules is operational in the IAF for strategic airlift and special operations support 3.

The CH-53K King Stallion FMS sale was notified in 2021; 12 aircraft are on order; mission systems contract was signed in March 2025; first delivery is expected in 2028 17.

Lockheed Martin is not a prime or confirmed component supplier for Iron Dome, Arrow 3, or David’s Sling. The PAC-3 MSE is the system through which Lockheed Martin participates in Israel’s layered air defence architecture 3.

Lockheed Martin’s 2025 financial disclosures reflect a record backlog of nearly $194 billion, including $10.9 billion for CH-53K, $9.8 billion for Patriot PAC-3 MSE, and $9.5 billion for JASSM/LRASM 3.

Export Licensing, Regulatory & Legal History

All Lockheed Martin supply to Israel flows through the U.S. FMS system, under which the U.S. government is the exporting entity and bears the export-licensing responsibility. DSCA Major Arms Sales notifications document the major approved sales. Individual export licence documents are not public 12.

In May 2024, the Biden administration confirmed it had paused a specific FMS delivery of approximately 1,800 × 2,000-lb bombs (MK-84 / GBU-31 JDAM-configured) to Israel, citing concerns about potential deployment in densely populated areas including Rafah. This was a U.S. government FMS delivery-hold decision, not a Lockheed Martin export licence action. Other munitions transfers continued during the pause. Following the inauguration of the Trump administration on January 20, 2025, this hold was reversed in full 89.

The International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion of July 19, 2024 found that Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories is unlawful under international law. Following the Advisory Opinion, Lockheed Martin did not issue any public statement in response. F-35 deliveries to Israel continued through the remainder of 2024 and into 2025 17.

The International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber I issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Gallant on November 21, 2024. Following the ICC warrants, no Lockheed Martin public statement was issued. F-35 production deliveries to Israel continued into 2025 3.

The UK government states that “Israel is a minor customer” of the F-35 program. The UK stopped direct exports for Israeli use but parts flow to the global spares pool 12.

No export licence denials, suspensions, or revocations identified for Lockheed Martin in connection with Israeli supply. No OFAC sanctions designations, BIS export denial orders, or other enforcement actions identified. No direct litigation against Lockheed Martin identified.

Civil Society Scrutiny & Documented Investigations

The Israeli NGO Who Profits maintains a company profile on Lockheed Martin documenting its supply of F-35s, Hellfire missiles, JDAM kits, and other systems to the IAF. The profile frames these supplies as direct material contribution to Israeli military operations in Gaza and the occupied territories, citing F-35 operational use over Gaza from 2021 onward 18.

The American Friends Service Committee’s “Investigate” platform and “Don’t Buy Into Occupation” campaign lists Lockheed Martin as a company warranting divestment, specifically citing F-35 supply, Hellfire missile production, JDAM kit supply, and post-October 2023 weapons transfers to Israel 19.

The June 2024 PAX report “Companies Arming Israel and Their Financiers” lists Lockheed Martin among the primary arms suppliers to Israel, specifically citing the F-35 programme, Hellfire missile, JDAM guidance kits, and PAC-3 MSE. The report maps major institutional shareholders 20.

The July 2024 Al-Haq report “Business and Human Rights in the Context of Israel’s Genocide in Gaza” applies the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights framework to the conflict. Lockheed Martin is referenced in the context of U.S. prime defence contractors whose products have been identified in IAF operational use since October 2023 2122.

The UN Special Rapporteur’s report A/HRC/59/23 (June 2025), titled “From economy of occupation to economy of genocide,” addresses categories of military suppliers—specifically U.S. prime defence contractors supplying advanced combat aircraft, precision-guided munitions, and air-to-ground missiles to the IAF—as materially integrated in what the report characterizes as the economy of occupation. Lockheed Martin is identified as the prime contractor for the F-35, Hellfire missile, JDAM guidance kits, and PAC-3 MSE interceptors, all documented as supplied to Israel and used in operations since October 2023 23.

Amnesty International published a report in October 2023 calling for an immediate UN arms embargo on Israel, specifically naming U.S.-origin weapons systems including F-35s and Hellfire missiles. Subsequent 2024 Amnesty reporting documented weapons-chain findings including IAF use of U.S.-origin munitions in strikes documented as involving harm to civilian populations 24.

Human Rights Watch published a report in February 2024 on arms transfers to Israel, calling for a halt to transfers of U.S.-origin weapons including Lockheed Martin products. The April 2024 report “Gaza: US Bombs Used in Unlawful Israeli Attacks” documented IAF use of U.S.-origin precision-guided munitions, including JDAM-configured bombs, in attacks characterized as unlawful 25.

In 2024, a coalition of institutional investors coordinated through ICCR filed a shareholder resolution with Lockheed Martin requesting enhanced disclosure of material risks associated with weapons sales to Israel. Lockheed Martin’s board recommended shareholders vote against the resolution, which did not pass. Similar shareholder proposals were filed in 2025 26272829.

Jewish advocacy groups ADL and JLens campaigned against Israel-related shareholder proposals at Lockheed Martin in 2024 and 2025. ISS and Glass Lewis recommended rejection. Proposals 4-6 (2024) and Proposal 5 (2025) were rejected 272829.

Lockheed Martin has not issued any public statement specifically addressing its supply of weapons to Israel, nor announced contract terminations, enhanced end-use monitoring measures, or policy changes in response to civil society pressure. The FY2024 Form 10-K does not reference the ICC warrants, ICJ Advisory Opinion, or IHL-related risk factors specific to Israel as material risk disclosures 317.

Controlling Principals

The Board Chair is Joseph F. Dunford Jr., a retired U.S. Marine Corps General and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2015-2019). He joined Lockheed Martin’s board in 2020 and was elevated to Chair. No FIDF or Israeli defence affiliation found in public records 30.

The CEO is James D. Taiclet, a West Point graduate and former commercial aerospace executive, serving as CEO since June 2020. No personal directorships at Israeli defence companies, personal equity in Israeli defence primes, or personal donations to FIDF identified in public records 30.

Other Board Members include former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh C. Johnson and retired Admiral James O. Ellis Jr. (former Commander, U.S. Strategic Command) 30.

Principal institutional shareholders—Vanguard (~9%), BlackRock (~7-8%), State Street (~4-5%)—hold passive index-linked positions. No specific divestment actions on Israel/IHL grounds confirmed at major U.S. financial institutions 3.

End Notes

Footnotes

  1. https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/israel-ch-53k-heavy-lift-helicopters ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6

  2. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10141 ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  3. https://investor.lockheedmartin.com/sec-filings/annual-reports ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18 ↩19 ↩20

  4. https://mod.gov.il/ ↩

  5. https://breakingdefense.com/ ↩ ↩2

  6. https://www.defensenews.com/ ↩

  7. https://mod.gov.il/ ↩ ↩2

  8. https://www.ft.com/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  9. https://www.theguardian.com/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  10. https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc5923 ↩

  11. https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/isettlements/isettlements-database ↩

  12. https://caat.org.uk/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  13. https://www.f35.com/f35/global-enterprise/key-relationships/israel.html ↩

  14. https://www.reuters.com/ ↩

  15. https://www.jpost.com/ ↩ ↩2

  16. https://nocamels.com/ ↩

  17. https://www.business-humanrights.org/ ↩ ↩2

  18. https://whoprofits.org/company/lockheed-martin/ ↩

  19. https://investigate.afsc.org/company/lockheed-martin ↩

  20. https://paxforpeace.nl/publications/companies-arming-israel-and-their-financiers ↩

  21. https://www.alhaq.org/publications/22345.html ↩

  22. https://www.alhaq.org/publications/22345.html ↩

  23. https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc5923 ↩

  24. https://www.amnesty.org/ ↩

  25. https://www.hrw.org/ ↩

  26. https://investor.lockheedmartin.com/sec-filings/proxy-statements ↩

  27. https://www.adl.org/ ↩ ↩2

  28. https://www.jlensnetwork.org/ ↩ ↩2

  29. https://www.jlensnetwork.org/ ↩ ↩2

  30. https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/leadership/board-of-directors.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3