What Happened
Long-Term Production And Sustainment Contract In The Works
The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin are in discussions over a potential multi-year deal for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which could include both production and sustainment of the stealth jet. The agreement, which could span up to a decade, may be worth tens of billions of dollars and could help raise the fighter’s dismal readiness rates. Proponents of the deal argue that it would provide industry with predictability and cost savings, while skeptics express concerns about the complexities of sustainment and the need for congressional approval. The negotiations were first reported by Breaking Defense.