- The framework agreement sets the stage for future multi-year procurement of JATM and boosting foreign military sales, but does not include the scale, timeline, or dollar amount.
- Lockheed will support necessary investments to drive the production increase under the agreement, without disclosing the level of internal investment expected.
- The JATM deal is the latest in a series of Pentagon-industry framework agreements aimed at rapidly scaling weapons production, with final contracts elusive as munitions spend remains tied to a $350 billion reconciliation request not passed by Congress.
- Lockheed previously secured framework deals for Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors, which became undefinitized contract actions worth $59 billion and $35 billion respectively.
- Australia announced plans in August to become the first international JATM customer.
- JATM is designed to counter threats from China and will be integrated on Air Force and Navy fighters including the F-22 and F-35.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to sending clear, long-term demand signals across the defense industrial base, ensuring our Warfighters receive unmatched capability exactly when and where the mission demands”
“This agreement builds on years of collaboration to deliver this critical air dominance capability to the warfighter”
“We will deliver JATM at the speed our nation and allies demand while providing value for taxpayers and our shareholders.”
Sources
- Lockheed reaches deal to boost production of secretive JATM missileBreaking Defense
- Lockheed Martin, Pentagon plan to speed up production of new classified air-to-air missileSeekingalpha
- Lockheed Martin and Department of War to Accelerate Air Dominance Missile Production Under New AgreementPR Newswire