Proposed changes to F-35 weapon system

The F-35 Joint Program Office intends to issue a contract to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, Texas, to deliver a report which determines the design impacts of a proposed change on the overall F-35 weapon system, to include Mission Planning, Training and Reprogramming capabilities.

The proposed contract is anticipated to be awarded no later than Sept.30, the Navy's Naval Air Systems Command said in contract documents released Thursday.

F-35 fleet grounding

The technical air worthiness authorities of the Department of the Air Force and Department of the Navy have issued a directive to ground the F-35 fleet based on initial findings from the runway fire incident that occurred at Eglin Air Force Base on June 23, Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby announced on Thursday.

“The root cause of the incident remains under investigation,” Kirby said. “Additional inspections of F-35 engines have been ordered, and return to flight will be determined based on inspection results and analysis of engineering data. Defense Department leadership supports this prudent approach. Preparations continue for F-35 participation in international air shows in the United Kingdom, however a final decision will come early next week.”