The US Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract valued at $74.2 million to support Block 4 upgrades for the F-35 by integrating weapons tailored to UK and Italian operational requirements. The effort also includes development of a common tactical data recorder for the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C variants. The modernization will expand the aircraft’s compatibility with advanced European munitions, improve mission effectiveness, and strengthen multinational interoperability, while supporting long-term capability enhancements for allied F-35 fleets.
