In a tour of Collins Aerospace’s facilities, executives said their new thermal management solution for the F-35 achieved a key benchmark, though the Pentagon hasn’t yet decided on a competition at all.
By Michael MarrowModernizing our supply chain is a national security imperative
Closing supply chain gaps in innovating technology will reposition the industrial base to be a strategic source of value.
As many as 120 F-35s could be “undelivered” in 2024 as a result of delays with the stealth fighter’s Technology Refresh 3 upgrade, according to Lockheed Martin Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave.
By Michael Marrow
“How in the hell do you lose an F-35?”
By Michael Marrow
A wide-ranging hearing on the F-35 revealed new details on the aircraft’s current operations, as well as its developmental struggles, including its beleaguered TR-3 upgrade.
By Michael Marrow
“What we found is that systems that are heavily reliant on contractor support, that have a minimum of government-owned intellectual property or access to the intellectual property, that the flexibility to make changes in accordance with a new national security environment is limited,” Assistant Secretary of Defense Christopher Lowman told Breaking Defense.
By Michael Marrow
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment Christopher Lowman told Breaking Defense that negotiations on the performance-based logistics agreement with Lockheed are at an impasse.
By Michael Marrow
“Our objectives really are continuing to mature adaptive engine technology for a variety of platforms to continue to keep the industrial base healthy and strong,” said GE Aerospace’s David Tweedie.
By Michael Marrow
A major overhaul is coming in software for missile warning
Space Systems Command’s FORGE program is the first, major missile-warning software modernization effort in 20 years.
New data obtained by Breaking Defense shows the so-called “flyaway” costs of the Air Force’s two fighter jets currently in production. But comparing them can make for tricky math.
By Michael Marrow
“This is a broad and in a way campaign-like approach to strengthening our own supply chain and enabling multiple sources, really for even beyond our company for our industry, which I think is important,” Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet said of his firm’s endeavor to field a new solid rocket motor supplier.
By Michael Marrow
While over 900 F-35s have been produced, the program has technically been stuck in its initial operational testing phase for years over the delayed completion of the trials.
By Michael Marrow
The $5 billion deal would see Prague get all 24 F-35As by 2035, while seeking to extend a lease of older Saab Gripen jets thorough that date.
By Michael Marrow
Strong demand for the Joint Strike Fighter means a production crunch is lurking, a top US Air Force general tells Breaking Defense. But expanding production could be risky business for industry.
By Michael Marrow
A sweeping report on sustainment of the F-35 from the Government Accountability Office found that a lack of depot capacity is hurting the fighter’s mission capable rates, with other problems in access to technical data, availability of parts and over-reliance on contractors for maintenance.
By Michael Marrow
During the stand down, units will discuss “fundamentals of safe flight operations, ground safety, maintenance and flight procedures, and maintaining combat readiness,” Marines say.
By Michael Marrow
