Lockheed wins $10.9B contract to modernize F-22 Raptor

USAF F-22 Raptor stealth fighter.

Lockheed Martin was awarded a $10.9 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract on Friday for Advanced Raptor Enhancement & Sustainment (ARES) for the F-22 Program Office. 

This contract vehicle provides support for the necessary supplies and services to sustain and modernize the F-22 Raptor, including modernization hardware kit procurement and services such as upgrades, enhancements and fixes, as well as performance-based logistics services. 

The location of performance is Fort Worth, Texas, and if all options are utilized, work is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2031. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition.

The purpose of the F-22 Program Office is to ensure the effectiveness of the Raptor until the sixth generation NGAD fighter is fielded and operational. Congress recently said the F-22 will retire in 2030. However, the aircraft is still critical to the USAF as it provides significant capabilities for "both European and Pacific theaters."

Source: US Department of Defense