Fort Worth, Texas, January 13, 2026
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of his ‘Arsenal of Freedom’ tour. The tour focuses on revitalizing the defense industrial base and enhancing military capabilities through competition and efficiency. The Fort Worth facility employs around 19,000 people and supports over 49,000 jobs, contributing more than $9 billion annually to the local economy. During his visit, Hegseth emphasized the importance of accelerating weapons production to strengthen national defense.
Fort Worth, Texas – Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Visits Lockheed Martin F-35 Production Facility
What is the purpose of Secretary Hegseth’s “Arsenal of Freedom” tour?
The “Arsenal of Freedom” tour aims to revitalize the nation’s defense industrial base and enhance military capabilities by engaging with defense companies and emphasizing the need for speed, efficiency, and competition in defense manufacturing.
How many employees work at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility?
The Fort Worth facility employs approximately 19,000 people, making it a significant contributor to the local economy.
What is the economic impact of the F-35 program in the Fort Worth area?
The F-35 program supports over 49,000 direct and indirect jobs in the area and generates more than $9 billion in annual economic impact.
What is the F-35 Lightning II aircraft?
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin, designed to perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, strike, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
What did Secretary Hegseth emphasize during his visit to Lockheed Martin?
Secretary Hegseth emphasized the importance of accelerating weapons production, fostering competition, and ensuring that every company competes to provide the best capabilities for the warfighter.
Introduction
Fort Worth, Texas – On January 12, 2026, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made a notable visit to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II production facility in Fort Worth. His presence was part of a broader “Arsenal of Freedom” industry tour, which focuses on the essential task of revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base and enhancing military capabilities.
This tour aligns with a growing acknowledgment of the importance of the defense sector in fostering economic security and innovation. Enhanced productivity and streamlined regulatory frameworks can equip defense contractors to better serve the armed forces and stimulate the local economy. During his visit, Hegseth emphasized the dual responsibility of innovation and efficiency, setting a robust tone for the future of defense manufacturing.
Key Highlights of the Visit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tour of F-35 Assembly Line | Secretary Hegseth observed the production process of the F-35 fighter jets at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility. |
| Address to Employees | He addressed over 600 of the facility’s 19,000 employees, emphasizing the importance of their work in strengthening national defense. |
| Emphasis on Speed and Efficiency | Hegseth urged Lockheed Martin and other defense companies to accelerate weapons production to better equip American warfighters, highlighting the need for speed, efficiency, and competition in defense manufacturing. |
| Statements from Leadership | Jim Taiclet, Chairman, President, and CEO of Lockheed Martin, stated that the F-35 is the most advanced multi-mission fighter jet in the world, playing a critical role in ensuring air superiority and contributing to the administration’s strategy of peace through strength. |
| Background on the F-35 Program | The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin, designed to perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, strike, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. |
| Economic Impact of the Facility | The Fort Worth facility is a significant contributor to the local economy, employing approximately 19,000 people. The F-35 program supports over 49,000 direct and indirect jobs in the area and generates more than $9 billion in annual economic impact. |
| Future Outlook | Hegseth’s visit underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities through increased production and modernization of military assets. |
Statements from Leadership
Jim Taiclet highlighted the F-35 as a pivotal part of the U.S. military’s strategy, showcasing it as a key player in achieving air superiority. Simultaneously, Secretary Hegseth’s remarks reflected a commitment to ensuring that the defense sector remains competitive and responsive to the needs of the U.S. military.
Conclusion
The visit from Secretary Hegseth to Lockheed Martin’s facility serves as a powerful reminder of the integral role that local industries play in national security and economic growth. With a focus on efficiency and competitiveness, there is significant potential for the defense sector to drive the future of the Dallas County economy. As local residents, engaging with and supporting such essential businesses not only contributes to community strength but also to the broader goal of national security.
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
