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Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) hails the decision by the Pentagon to award the contract for the Joint Strike Fighter to a team led by Lockheed Martin.


Granger states, "I could not be more pleased with the outcome of today's decision. Lockheed Martin has created a smart design that will use state-of-the-art technology to create a next-generation fighter that will revolutionize our military."


The total Joint Strike Fighter program is valued at approximately $200 billion and will be a cornerstone of future defense capability for the United States and our allied partners.


Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, will produce the Joint Strike Fighter at its Fort Worth facility, creating at least 2,500 new jobs for the community.


"At a time when the nation is united in its efforts in the war on terrorism, now more than ever we need to produce the best equipment possible for our military. I am confident the Joint Strike Fighter will provide the very best aircraft for our future defense capability," said Granger.