Lockheed Martin and its F-35 industry partner, BAE Systems, announced this week that the two defense firms have signed an agreement setting out how to support Britain’s Lightning II fighters. The deal, announced at the Farnborough Air Show, declares that BAE will take the lead on providing sustainment activities for the life of the program, expected to extend through the next 40 years. The Lightning II is expected to equip both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy’s aviation arm.
Space Systems Command has awarded a massive $2.29 billion contract to SpaceX for the “backbone” of its new Space Data Network, a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit that will provide connectivity for the entire joint force.