NAVAIR awards Block 4-related F-35 contracts
An F-35A Lightning II takes off for a training mission in July 2021. (Photo: US Air National Guard/Tech Sgt Ryan Campbell)
Latest contracts cover F-35 Block 4 manufacturing capacity, Block 4 simulation and training plus depot-level engine maintenance.
In a flurry of activity, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in the US on 30 September awarded multiple contracts related to the F-35 programme.
Lockheed Martin received two contract modifications worth $265.59 million and $228.68 million respectively.
The former exercises options and adds scope to increase Block 4 manufacturing capacity ‘and procure material modification kits and special test/tooling equipment that remove life limits, correct deficiencies, and retrofit aircraft with Technical Refresh 3’, the DoD announced.
These retrofits and modifications cover F-35s operated by the USAF, USMC and USN, as well as FMS customers and other operators.
Work is expected to be completed in September 2028.
The other contract modification, for completion by December 2025, adds scope for Lockheed Martin to develop F-35 training systems with a simulation capability for Block 4, ‘to include Joint Strike Missiles, weapons, integrated fire control, [the] F-35 Lightning Integrated Training Environment, and additional training development required to meet a Lot 17 delivery’, the DoD revealed.
In yet another NAVAIR deal for the F-35 that was announced on 30 September, Raytheon and Pratt & Whitney received a $232.78 million contract to procure material and support equipment for depot-level F135 engine maintenance facilities and unit-level support equipment at various locations by September 2025, including sites in Australia, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway and the US.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms]()
India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms
India has issued urgent RFIs for more than 270 reconnaissance, surveillance and utility helicopters across its services, signalling a systemic overhaul of rotary-wing capabilities with a renewed emphasis on indigenous production and technology transfer.
-
![US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026]()
US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026
The US Department of Defence (DoD) previously selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to develop production-representative prototypes under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in FY2026.
-
![How can you own the sky?]()
How can you own the sky?
With an unparalleled range of solutions, RTX is equipping pilots with a distinct advantage, before the mission even begins.
-
![DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms]()
DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms
The Nimbrix missile has been developed and tested over the last year and is Saab’s latest cost-effective answer to help armed forces counteract escalating numbers of uncrewed aerial threats on the battlefield.
-
![US approves possible C-17 Globemaster III sustainment support sale to UK]()
US approves possible C-17 Globemaster III sustainment support sale to UK
The potential sustainment contract will help support the Royal Air Force (RAF) fleet, amid renewed interest from countries in the heavy-lift strategic aircraft.
-
![Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?]()
Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?
While motherships offer multiple operational advantages, the changes in the character of warfare may bring new tactics to the battlefield, reducing their role.
