BAE Systems wins order for F-35 electronic warfare systems covering Lots 20–22
BAE Systems has received a contract from Lockheed Martin to produce AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare suites for F-35 production Lots 20 through 22, plus retrofit kits for earlier aircraft. The AN/ASQ-239 provides the F-35 with radar warning, electronic support, and countermeasures capabilities integral to the aircraft's survivability.
New Zealand confirms purchase of five MH-60R SeaHawk helicopters for over $930 million
New Zealand has confirmed the acquisition of five MH-60R SeaHawk anti-submarine warfare helicopters from the United States for more than $930 million. The order will replace the Royal New Zealand Navy's aging ASW helicopter fleet operating from its two ANZAC-class frigates. Three defense ministers have handled the procurement over the past year.
Pentagon and BAE Systems sign framework for up to 25,000 APKWS laser-guidance kits annually over seven years
The U.S. Department of War and BAE Systems have agreed a framework contract allowing the purchase of up to 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits per year for as long as seven years, with capacity to scale to 35,000 kits. APKWS converts unguided 70 mm Hydra rockets into precision-guided munitions using a laser seeker mid-body section. The system has been fielded by the U.S. military and exported to more than 30 countries.
Why it matters: The seven-year horizon and upper capacity of 35,000 kits per year signal sustained demand for cheap precision fires — a doctrine shift visible across NATO after Ukraine demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of converting legacy munitions into guided weapons at scale.
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Lithuania deploys mobile US-made AN/TPS-77 radars on NATO's eastern edge for air surveillance
Lithuania is fielding three truck-mounted AN/TPS-77 Multi-Role Radars from Lockheed Martin under a $52.6 million Foreign Military Sales contract. The systems feed real-time air surveillance data into NATO's integrated air and missile defense network. Lithuania's Ministry of National Defence confirmed the deployment.
Lockheed Martin wins $9.4 million contract to upgrade F-35 assembly stations at Italy's Cameri facility
Lockheed Martin will upgrade assembly stations at the F-35 final assembly facility in Cameri, Italy, under a $9.4 million contract modification. The Cameri plant is Europe's only F-35 production site and builds jets for Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.
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