Governor Kelly sent a letter to President Joe Biden and members of the House of Representatives urging them to the aviation industry, create jobs, and encourage further economic development in Kansas by sustaining and modernizing the F-35 Lightning II program.

Kelly detailed that in Kansas alone, more than 42 companies help build the F-35, providing more than 5,290 jobs and a total annual economic impact of $617 million.

“The F-35 strengthens national security and international relationships while providing high quality engineering and manufacturing jobs throughout the country–including in Kansas,” the Governor said. “It is critical that the Department of Defense and our allies invest in the F-35 fleet, continue to increase production, and keep the program on track.”