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
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![StormShroud enters service with UK RAF to suppress enemy air defences]()
StormShroud enters service with UK RAF to suppress enemy air defences
StormShroud is designed to support UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Lockheed Martin F-35B and Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft by providing suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD). It is built around the Tekever AR3 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and Leonardo BriteStorm electronic warfare (EW) jammer payload.
-
![Ground tests for CCA programme underway with flight tests to start mid-2025, says USAF]()
Ground tests for CCA programme underway with flight tests to start mid-2025, says USAF
The ground test phase for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme will bridge the gap between prototype design and flight, laying essential groundwork ahead of fielding the uncrewed aircraft.
-
![Northrop Grumman’s completes flight tests of new EW system for F-16s]()
Northrop Grumman’s completes flight tests of new EW system for F-16s
The two aircraft flew more than 70 sorties in seven months and tested the system in various conditions and mission scenarios.
-
![F-15EX and shipbuilding win big in proposed $150 billion US defence funding boost]()
F-15EX and shipbuilding win big in proposed $150 billion US defence funding boost
The legislation outlined additional budget to enhance air, land and naval platforms, including next-generation air and uncrewed naval programmes.
-
![Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal]()
Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal
The deal is for 400 AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). It increases the stocks the country already has and follows a US$1.7 billion order for 745 missiles approved in March last year.
-
![Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter]()
Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter
The delivery is the first in a total of 25 helicopters on order, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.
