Boeing (NYSE:BA) Gets 41-Plane Order from Pentagon

Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT) is out of luck for now, as the Pentagon has chosen to acquire 41 fighter planes from Boeing (NYSE:BA) as it continues to restructure the F-35 fighter program.

The 41-plane order is for over a three-year period. That is in response to slower production of the F-35 from Lockheed.

Continual test problems for the Marine version of the plane could result in it being canceled, said the Defense Secretary, if they aren't fixed.

Gates said, "If we cannot fix this variant during this time frame and get it back on track in terms of performance, cost and schedule, then I believe it should be canceled."

Boeing has the benefit from all this by selling the Pentagon 41 additional F/A-18 fighters over the next three years.

Lockheed Martin closed at $73.18, up $1.26, or 1.75 percent. Boeing closed at $68.80, up $1.32, or 1.96 percent.