Core Points - The U.S. Air Force has halved its procurement request for F-35 fighter jets, reducing the number from 48 to 24 aircraft, which significantly impacts Lockheed Martin, the largest defense contractor in the U.S. [1] - This reduction in F-35 procurement may indicate a shift in the Department of Defense's funding plans for fiscal year 2026, aligning with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's strategy to decrease projected military spending by 8% over the next five years [1]