U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's Arsenal of Freedom Tour Highlights Defense Manufacturing

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recently visited Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of his "Arsenal of Freedom" tour. This initiative aims to revitalize America's defense industrial base and enhance military capabilities through increased production and innovation. During his visit, Hegseth addressed over 600 employees, emphasizing the importance of their work in equipping the U.S. military and the need for speed and efficiency in defense manufacturing.

KDFW - Fox 4 - Dallas-Fort WorthSecretary Pete Hegseth Visits Brownsville and Fort Worth, TexasSecretary of War Pete Hegseth Highlights Space Industry Role in ‘Arsenal of Freedom’ Tour VisitHegseth Brings 'Arsenal of Freedom' Tour to Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth F-35 PlantU.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visits Lockheed Martin F-35 plant in Fort Worth during industry capability tourAustin American-StatesmanRecord F-35 Deliveries, PAC-3 Production Framework Show Lockheed Martin Stepping Up, Hegseth SaysNew York Post

Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth facility is the sole final assembly site for the F-35, employing approximately 19,000 workers and supported by over 1,900 suppliers, more than half of which are small businesses. In 2025, the facility achieved a record production of 191 F-35 aircraft, significantly increasing its output compared to previous years. Jim Taiclet, chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin, highlighted the F-35 as the most advanced multi-mission fighter jet globally, crucial for maintaining air superiority.

Hegseth Brings 'Arsenal of Freedom' Tour to Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth F-35 PlantU.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visits Lockheed Martin F-35 plant in Fort Worth during industry capability tourRecord F-35 Deliveries, PAC-3 Production Framework Show Lockheed Martin Stepping Up, Hegseth SaysKDFW - Fox 4 - Dallas-Fort WorthNew York PostSecretary Pete Hegseth Visits Brownsville and Fort Worth, TexasAustin American-StatesmanLA Times

Hegseth's remarks during the tour underscored a shift in the Department of Defense's approach to procurement and innovation. He criticized the traditional military-industrial complex for its slow pace and called for a new strategy that prioritizes rapid deployment of technology. "Winning requires a new playbook," he stated, advocating for a focus on delivering "85% solutions" quickly rather than waiting for perfect systems. This aligns with President Donald Trump's broader agenda to increase military spending and enhance the U.S. military's capabilities.

Austin American-Statesman

In his address, Hegseth reiterated the administration's commitment to a "Peace Through Strength" strategy, which includes a proposed increase in defense spending to $1.5 trillion by 2027. He emphasized that future contracts would be awarded based on performance rather than brand names, stating, "We ultimately don’t care what the name is on the side of the missile or the plane." The Department of Defense has framed this tour as a means to "unleash the full power" of the defense industrial base.

Hegseth Brings 'Arsenal of Freedom' Tour to Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth F-35 Plant

While Hegseth's tour has been met with enthusiasm from defense contractors, some critics have raised concerns about the implications of prioritizing speed over thoroughness in defense procurement. Additionally, the emphasis on eliminating "woke ideology" from military considerations has sparked debate about the intersection of social issues and defense policy.

New York Post

There are varying perspectives on the effectiveness of the proposed changes to the defense procurement process. Some industry experts argue that the push for rapid production may compromise quality and innovation, while others believe it is necessary to maintain competitiveness against global adversaries.

Austin American-Statesman

Following the Fort Worth visit, Hegseth is scheduled to continue his tour, including a stop at SpaceX in Brownsville, Texas. This ongoing initiative reflects the administration's commitment to engaging with the defense industry and ensuring that the U.S. military remains equipped with cutting-edge technology and capabilities.

Secretary Pete Hegseth Visits Brownsville and Fort Worth, Texas

• “I’m looking out into an incredible audience of Americans here who are committed to an incredible company that’s building incredible platforms,” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of War

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visits Lockheed Martin F-35 plant in Fort Worth during industry capability tour

• “The F-35 is the most advanced multi-mission fighter jet in the world, as clearly shown in many recent and successful military engagements,” — Jim Taiclet, CEO of Lockheed Martin

Hegseth Brings 'Arsenal of Freedom' Tour to Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth F-35 Plant

• “Winning requires a new playbook.” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of War

Austin American-Statesman

• “We ultimately don’t care what the name is on the side of the missile or the plane,” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of War

Hegseth Brings 'Arsenal of Freedom' Tour to Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth F-35 Plant

• “We’re unleashing the war fighter to be ready, trained, disciplined, accountable, and lethal.” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of War

Hegseth Brings 'Arsenal of Freedom' Tour to Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth F-35 Plant