American aerospace firm Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $585 million modification contract for the American F-35 fighter.
Awarded by Naval Air Systems Command, the contract covers system integration engineering to develop new ASQ-239 electronic warfare and countermeasure hardware for the aircraft.
The ASQ-239 system provides fully integrated radar warning, self-protection, and targeting support. It enables pilots to engage, counter, jam, or evade aerial threats, increasing their survivability and mission effectiveness.
Work for the contract will be performed at Lockheed facilities in New Hampshire, Texas, Maryland, and the United Kingdom. It is scheduled for completion by April 2026.
The F-35 Warplane
According to the US Air Force, the F-35 is an agile, versatile, high-performance aircraft that combines stealth, sensor fusion, and unprecedented situational awareness. It is equipped with a cutting-edge sensor package that can gather, fuse, and distribute more information, giving operators an advantage during military missions.
The aircraft engine produces 43,000 pounds (19,504 kilograms) of thrust, allowing it to fly up to 1,350 miles (2,172 kilometers) at a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 (1,975 kilometers/1,277 miles per hour).
The F-35 can also carry payloads of up to 18,000 pounds (8,160 kilograms).
