US Awards $1 Billion Contract for F-35 Electronic Warfare Upgrades for Military and Allies

May 17, 2026

Washington: The United States has rolled out a nearly $1 billion modernization program for its F-35 Lightning II fighter jet fleet, focusing on advanced electronic warfare capabilities and next-generation combat enhancements for both American armed forces and allied nations operating the aircraft.

According to a US Department of Defense contract announcement, Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract worth approximately $991.1 million to manufacture and deliver 432 modification kits for F-35 fighter aircraft.

Upgrade Covers US Forces and Foreign Operators

The modification kits will be distributed across multiple branches of the US military as well as international operators participating in the Joint Strike Fighter program. The allocation includes 97 aircraft for the US Air Force, 54 for the US Marine Corps and 42 for the US Navy. Additionally, 106 kits are designated for Foreign Military Sales customers and 133 for non-US partner nations involved in the F-35 program.

Analysts say the large international allocation reflects the growing global dependence on the F-35 platform among NATO allies and partner nations. The combined number of kits for foreign operators is reportedly greater than the allocation for US forces alone.

Focus on Block 4 Modernisation

The upgrades are part of the F-35’s ambitious “Block 4” modernization program, which Lockheed Martin has described as the most significant evolution of the aircraft’s capabilities since its development.

The Block 4 package includes more than 70 major enhancements across all F-35 variants. Planned improvements involve expanded missile-carrying capacity, enhanced target recognition systems, stronger sensor fusion and upgraded electronic warfare technology designed to improve survivability in modern combat environments.

Electronic warfare systems are considered one of the F-35’s key strengths, enabling the stealth fighter to detect, identify and counter enemy radar and missile threats across a broad electromagnetic spectrum.

Work to Continue Till 2032

The contract work will primarily be carried out at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas facility, with the program expected to continue through March 2032.

The F-35 remains the world’s largest fifth-generation fighter program, operated by the United States and numerous allied countries. The modernization effort comes amid intensifying global military competition and increasing emphasis on advanced electronic warfare and stealth combat capabilities.