NAVAIR expands F-35 Block 4 development effort
An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 355th Fighter Squadron taxis on the runway on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, on 19 October 2021. (Photo: USAF/Airman 1st Class Jose Miguel Tamondong)
NAVAIR awards Lockheed Martin a contract to support flight tests and capabilities for the most advanced version of the F-35.
Lockheed Martin is to provide non-recurring engineering, detailed aircraft modification execution planning and technical data packages in support of modifications to the US F-35 Lightning II developmental test fleet.
A maximum $206.83 million contract modification from Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), announced by the DoD on 20 October, adds scope to support flight tests for the F-35 developmental test fleet and for capabilities delivered in the F-35 Block 4 effort in support of the Joint Strike Fighter programme for the USAF, USMC, USN and non-DOD participants.
Lockheed Martin will fulfil the contract by December 2025. Work will be carried out at three US locations: Fort Worth, Texas (60%), Patuxent River, Maryland (20%) and Edwards Air Force Base, California (20%).
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production]()
December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production
One of the key trends seen in December has been the rise in indigenous investment within the UAV market, particularly across certain countries, with Germany, Australia and the US focusing on their commitments to sovereign development.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
