The U.S. Department of Defense issued $663 million to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics for recurring logistical requirements of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. The funding is characterized as a modification to a previously issued contract, and will cover a range of program requirements, including: ground maintenance activities, action request resolution, depot activation activities, automatic logistics information system operations and maintenance, reliability and maintainability, supply chain management, pilot and maintainer training, and training system sustainment in support.
DoD indicated the new funds will support activities to be performed in Fort Worth, Tex., Orlando, Fla., and Greenville, S.C., through June 2027.
Lockheed Martin is the lead contractor for the F-35, which is the largest U.S. defense program and involves hundreds of contractors.
The F-35 is a single-engine aircraft used for ground attack and combat missions by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and nearly two dozen allied defense forces. While nearly 1,000 of the aircraft have been built to date, production rates are due to rise as more of the aircraft are deployed.
One year ago Lockheed and the DoD reached a $30-billion, multi-year agreement for nearly 400 F-35 aircraft, covering three rounds production for the most expensive and expansive defense manufacturing program. However, the program is expected to be downsized in the Biden Administration’s 2025 defense budget.
