Lockheed Martin has reimbursed the Air Force the $265 million it inadvertently overcharged the service for F-35 development, with interest, company spokespersons said Wednesday. The repayment was not in the form of discounts on future purchases, foregoing progress payments, or other mechanisms commonly used in such circumstances. “We cut a check,” a company spokeswoman said.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.