- Lockheed Martin will redesign the GPS electronic unit and the NAV100 Inertial Navigation System
- The order supports F-35 Lightning II production and sustainment
- The effort covers engineering, integration, qualification and testing support
Lockheed Martin‘s aeronautics unit has received a $114.6 million order to redesign two navigation systems used on the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.
What Does the F-35 Navigation Redesign Cover?
The Department of War said Friday that under the cost-plus-fixed-fee order, Lockheed will replace obsolete electronic components in the aircraft’s GPS electronic unit and NAV100 Inertial Navigation System. The company will provide engineering, integration, qualification and testing services supporting the redesign effort while ensuring the systems retain their existing performance and compatibility with other aircraft systems.
The redesigns aim to address component obsolescence and prevent disruptions to F-35 production, supporting continued sustainment for U.S. military services and international partners. These priorities align with a broader 10-year F-35 production and sustainment agreement between Lockheed and the War Department.
What Are the Contract Details?
Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland, awarded the order under a previously established basic ordering agreement. The order was not competitively procured and is expected to run through January 2030.
Lockheed will perform 70 percent of the effort in El Segundo, California, and over 27 percent in Fort Worth, Texas. The remaining work will take place in Clearwater, Florida.
The award is funded by $46.4 million from the Air Force’s fiscal 2026 aircraft procurement account, approximately $46.4 million from the Navy’s corresponding account and $21.8 million from F-35 cooperative program partners. All funds will be obligated at the time of award.
The Navy previously awarded Lockheed Martin a separate $2.3 billion contract for F-35 sustainment and support for establishing global operating locations. The work includes site activation, fleet management, interim contractor support, reliability and maintainability efforts, and technical support for land-based and maritime operations.
Another $3.6 billion Navy contract modification for F-35 logistics support covers activities such as ground maintenance, depot work, supply chain management and training support.
