Brig. Gen. C.D. Moore, head of the Aeronautical Systems Center unit overseeing production and fielding of the F-22A Raptor, says, “It’s been a banner year so far” for Raptor delivery and upgrades. ASC journalist Chris McGhee reports that deliveries have been “consistently on or ahead of schedule.” According to this report, the Air Force will sign multiyear contracts for the next three production lots of aircraft and engines later this summer. During a visit to Vance AFB, Okla., last week, Raptor Program Executive Officer, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Reimer, reportedly said USAF and Lockheed Martin signed the 60-aircraft MYP on June 29. In addition to the MYP, Moore says ASC is pushing the first of four modernization upgrades for the already fielded fighters. Moore’s unit also plans to award a 10-year F-22 logistics support contract later this year that will include a share of work for USAF depots.
The Pentagon announced new long-term agreements with four defense companies May 13 to develop and produce large numbers of low-cost cruise missiles. And while the effort will focus mostly on the Army to start, it pairs with Air Force efforts to find more affordable munitions.