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
More from Air Warfare
-
![Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story]()
Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
