The Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $245 million contract for lot 8 production of the JASSM cruise missile. The company will build a total of about 160 missiles for USAF and foreign military sales customers during this production run, according to the Jan. 20 contract announcement. These missiles will be both in the baseline configuration and extended-range version. The Lot 8 production contract had been on hold last year, pending the results of a series of flight tests meant to verify the reliability of the missile. These tests went well, clearing the way for negotiations on Lot 8.
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.