Lockheed Martin (LMT, Financial) has been awarded a contract modification valued at up to $180 million. This modification, which remains undefinitized in terms of cost, adds scope to an existing agreement aimed at acquiring necessary materials, parts, and components. These resources will support the conversion of three F-35 production aircraft into flight science replacement aircraft.
The purpose of these conversions is to prevent an increase in the test capability gap and to enable comprehensive future testing of the block four capabilities. This testing is crucial for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and other stakeholders, including non-U.S. Department of Defense program partners and Foreign Military Sales customers.
Naval Air Systems Command is overseeing the contracting activity, which did not go through a competitive bidding process. The project is scheduled to reach completion in December 2028.
