Lockheed Martin to integrate new weapons into F-35
Is SPEAR 3 one of the 'unique weapons capabilities' Lockheed Martin will integrated on F-35A and F-35B aircraft? (Photo: MBDA)
Three ‘unique weapons capabilities’ will be installed on F-35A and F-35B aircraft, says NAVAIR.
Lockheed Martin on 21 June obtained a $472.47 million contract modification from US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) for completion in March 2026.
‘This modification adds scope to further develop and integrate three unique weapons capabilities through system functional review to development test complete on the F-35A and F-35B aircraft for the governments of the United Kingdom and Italy,’ the DoD announced.
Lockheed Martin UK sites will perform 50% of the work, with the remainder taking place at locations in the US.
The DoD gave no further information about which weapons are covered by the latest modification, but its description of ‘unique weapons capabilities’ could include reference to the MBDA Selective Precision Effects At Range (SPEAR) 3 missile.
The UK MoD in January 2021 selected SPEAR 3 to arm its F-35B STOVL aircraft carried aboard the UK RN’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
More from Investing in Tomorrow (Studio)
-
![First F135 engine depot outside of US is approved]()
First F135 engine depot outside of US is approved
Netherlands F135 engine maintenance facility has been approved for initial depot capability.
-
![Lockheed Martin to continue network-centric weapons capabilities work for F-35]()
Lockheed Martin to continue network-centric weapons capabilities work for F-35
Lockheed Martin carries on developing network-enabled weapons and electronic-attack capabilities for F-35 operators in the US and allied air forces.
-
![Against a rapidly evolving air defence picture, SkyKeeper has all threats covered (Studio)]()
Against a rapidly evolving air defence picture, SkyKeeper has all threats covered (Studio)
Evolving air defence requirements drove the development of Lockheed Martin UK's SkyKeeper BMC4I solution.
-
![SkyKeeper – the enabler of air defence in the digital age (video)]()
SkyKeeper – the enabler of air defence in the digital age (video)
In response to evolving air defence challenges, Lockheed Martin UK has developed SkyKeeper - a next-generation Battle Management Command and Control capability.
-
![F-35 takes Swiss spoils to maintain remarkable European sales record]()
F-35 takes Swiss spoils to maintain remarkable European sales record
In what amounted to a fairly one-sided contest, the F-35A has emerged as the winner of Switzerland's Air2030 procurement, with Bern opting to buy 36 of the fifth-generation jets.
-
![US F-35Cs qualify for carrier operations]()
US F-35Cs qualify for carrier operations
The US ‘most advanced carrier wing’ has been qualified for Carrier operations following four days of flight deck operations earlier this month.
