Oct. 19, 2018

“I welcome this opportunity to join President Trump at Luke Air Force Base to discuss the importance of a strong defense industrial base. As the largest F-35 base in the world, I can’t think of a better place to highlight the importance of ensuring our defense industrial base continues to provide our warfighters with the greatest equipment in the world through improved speed, agility and innovation.

The defense sector is a critically important contributor to our national economy, providing an annual trade surplus of $86 billion, and 2.4 million jobs. The F-35 program alone supports more than 194,000 direct and indirect American jobs through a network of 1,500 suppliers.

We welcome the Administration’s recognition and emphasis on protecting this critical national asset and look forward to the partnership with the White House and the Department of Defense on this important effort.”

- Marillyn Hewson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lockheed Martin