The Pentagon is signing framework deals for missiles it should have bought three years ago.
Top story
Pentagon and Lockheed Martin sign framework agreement to expand AIM-260 JATM production. The U.S. Department of War and Lockheed Martin have signed a framework agreement to scale production of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, the long-range air-to-air weapon intended to counter China’s PL-15. The agreement lays groundwork for a future multiyear procurement, though no dollar amount, quantity, or timeline was disclosed. Testing of the secretive missile—originally slated for service years ago—is reportedly accelerating. Why it matters: The AIM-260 is the Pentagon’s answer to being outranged by PL-15; a framework deal without numbers suggests industrial base readiness is still catching up to operational urgency. (Corroborated) Defense News → · Breaking Defense → · The War Zone → · EDR Magazine →
The rundown
PROCUREMENT — The U.S. Air Force plans to procure Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for VIP airlift under the C-40 designation, marking the first time the MAX variant will be militarised for any government customer. Air Mobility Command confirmed the service received budgetary approval in 2026 for at least one aircraft under a deal reportedly worth up to $250 million. (Corroborated) Breaking Defense → · The Aviationist → · Defence Industry Europe →
PROCUREMENT — The U.S. Department of State approved a potential $24 billion sale of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, the department announced. The approval represents the first time Saudi Arabia has been cleared to acquire the fifth-generation aircraft, with significant implications across Middle Eastern airpower balance. (Corroborated) The War Zone → · Daily Sabah →
MUNITIONS — GM Defense delivered its first batch of PAC-3 MSE missile-housing components to Lockheed Martin on 16 September, just 22 days after the two companies signed a formal production contract. Lockheed Martin said the delivery demonstrates “the speed of relevance” in scaling Patriot production. (Corroborated) Defence Blog → · Defence Industry Europe →
PROCUREMENT — Lockheed Martin is pitching the U.S. Air Force on a new F-16 variant designated F-16G, based on the current Block 70 airframe, as a way to replace aging Fighting Falcons faster than F-35 production can deliver. Multiple sources told Aviation Week the F-16G would offer near-term capacity expansion while the F-35 line ramps. (Corroborated) Defence Blog → · Opex360 →
SPACE — China urged the United States to halt its military build-up in outer space after the U.S. Space Force confirmed it has deployed space control weapons on orbit. Beijing warned the deployment risks triggering a space arms race and undermining strategic stability. (Corroborated) Defense News → · Airforce Technology →
PROCUREMENT — Latvia’s government decided to procure Czech-made Morana 155mm wheeled howitzers from Excalibur Army for the National Armed Forces, choosing the system over Sweden’s competing Archer howitzer. The Cabinet of Ministers based its decision on cost and delivery speed; Archer proved too expensive and slow under Latvia’s current defence budget. (Single source) Defence Blog →
NAVAL — The ex-Italian Navy aircraft carrier Garibaldi has reached Indonesian domestic waters ahead of its formal welcome in Jakarta, Naval News reported. The ship will become Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier following its transfer from Italy. (Single source) Naval News →
By the numbers
8 events in this issue · 6/8 corroborated · €22.1bn in stated deal values · 2/8 European · busiest beat: procurement
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