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The Pentagon is looking to build on the momentum of recent deals to invest long-term in production of key munitions, with a specific focus on spare parts to improve the readiness of the Lockheed Martin F-35.
Michael Duffey, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, told the U.S. House Armed Services Committee on March 4 that the department has ongoing discussions to partner with companies in multiple mission areas.
In January, the Pentagon rolled out a series of deals with key suppliers. This included a seven-year agreement with Lockheed Martin to triple production of Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhanced interceptors, another with RTX to ramp up production of the Tomahawk cruise missile and a $1 billion investment for L3Harris to increase solid rocket motor capacity.
“F-35 parts would be another area to ensure we have adequate resources and funding,” Duffey told lawmakers.
He did not elaborate on the timeline of a potential deal or on specific parts. The Joint Strike Fighter’s spare parts supply chain has been a choke point, affecting readiness.
In January, Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet said the company would spend about $1 billion to stockpile spare parts for the fighter after “underfunding of spare parts and repair capacity in various defense budgets previous to this administration.” Improving mission-capable rates across the F-35 fleet is a priority the company is working on with the Pentagon, he said.
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