Americas
Lockheed Martin on a $172 million modification, which definitizes the order and adds scope to provide special test/tooling equipment for increasing Block 4 manufacturing capacity, as well as procures material modification kits in support of removing life limits, correcting deficiencies, and retrofitting aircraft to incorporate Next Gen Distributed Aperture System hardware and associated Power and Thermal Management System modifications efforts. These modifications are in support of F-35 aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2030.
Lockheed Martin won a $62.2 million modification, which increases a contract line item to provide for rapid execution of non-recurring engineering, to include studies, engineering analysis, airframe analysis, and risk reduction of the C-130J-30 aircraft in support of identifying if the aircraft can meet E-XX capability requirements and the changes that will be required to the aircraft. Work will be performed in Marietta, Georgia, and is expected to be completed in June 2026.
Middle East & Africa
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has marked the delivery of the 100th IAI-produced T-38 wing to the United States Air Force, in a special ceremony held at the company’s headquarters. This milestone demonstrates IAI’s capabilities to produce aerostructures of the highest quality and its commitment to a long-term relationship with the United States Air Force.
Europe
Germany has given its approval to Poland’s request to transfer five Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, as Ukraine continues to seek advanced weaponry to defend itself against Russian aggression. The decision was made after Poland sought permission from Germany, as the receiving country of the aircraft, to send them on to Ukraine. Poland had already provided eight MiG-29s to Ukraine, with President Andrzej Duda recently announcing that Poland would be sending additional jets from old East German stocks. The transfer was only made possible due to German rules which require approval from Berlin for the sale of weapons that may be subsequently transferred to a third country.
The UK Defense Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded Mitie Defence Limited a contract to deliver critical infrastructure services to British military facilities in Cyprus. Under the 256-million-pound ($321 million) agreement, the company will provide maintenance work, repairs, and hard facilities management for every UK defense complex on the island. Covered sites include the RAF Akrotiri, Episkopi, Dhekelia, Ayios Nikolias, Troodos, Bloodhound Camp, and Radio Sonde.
Asia-Pacific
North Korea said Friday it had successfully tested a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, hailing it as a key breakthrough for the country’s nuclear counterattack capabilities. South Korea’s military had earlier said that a Thursday launch conducted by the North — which briefly triggered a seek shelter order in parts of Japan — was likely a new type of ballistic missile.
Today’s Video
WATCH: T-38 Talon Supersonic
