In a move that’s shaking up the global defense scene, Lockheed Martin has landed the job to slap some AGM-88G High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs) onto the F-35s.

This “undefinitized contract” valued at $97 million ain’t just another tech upgrade; it’s a game-changer, a leap into the future of airborne electronic warfare.

The US Department of Defense spilled the beans on this, and it’s not just Uncle Sam benefiting.

The US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps get a piece of the action, and so do some foreign military sales customers.

We’re talking about the whole shebang – A, B, and C variants of those multi-role F-35 beasts.

Lockheed’s Strategic Initiative

But it ain’t just about strapping missiles on wings.

Lockheed’s going the whole nine yards by setting up F-35 Lot 17 reprogramming labs.

Who’s invited to this party? Australia, Canada, Italy, Norway, and the UK are on the list.

Denmark and the Netherlands ain’t left out; they’ll be getting some mission data file updates.

It’s like a tech commune for high-flying war machines, a collaboration that’s not just talk.

Its action shows that in the world of modern defense, sharing tech is caring.

Lockheed is not just about gadgets; it’s about building relationships, and this AGM-88G integration is a testament to that.

Australia, Canada, Italy, Norway, and the UK – these ain’t just countries; they’re allies in the skies.

Setting up reprogramming labs and throwing in some mission data updates for Denmark and the Netherlands is like saying, “Hey, we got your back.”

It’s not just about firepower; it’s about standing together against whatever’s out there.

Key Technological Advancement: AGM-88

Moving on to the nitty-gritty details – the AGM-88.

This ain’t your grandpa’s missile. It’s an air-to-surface tactical beast that’s been around since the ’80s.

The Navy first got cozy with it back then, and now it’s getting cozy with the F-35s. It’s not about brute force; it’s about finesse.

The AGM-88 locks onto enemy radars’ signals, tracks them down, and takes ’em out.

It’s like a silent assassin in the sky, and that’s what makes it a big deal for airborne electronic warfare.

AGM-88 HARM fire
Two EA-18G Growlers conduct an AGM-88 HARM shoot exercise. (Image source: DVIDS)

And let’s not forget that smokeless, solid-propellant rocket motor – it’s the secret sauce that makes air defense systems useless or, at the very least, a lot less efficient.

Currently, the F-16C Fighting Falcon is the only one in the US Air Force rocking the AGM-88.

But hold onto your helmets; the F-35s are joining the party.

It’s like passing the torch to the new kid on the block, expanding the AGM-88’s VIP list of aircraft.

AGM-88’s Global Reach

But it’s not just an American affair.

This missile’s got its passport stamped in countries like Australia, Egypt, Germany, Taiwan, South Korea, Greece, and Israel.

It’s become the go-to solution for nations dealing with a variety of security headaches.

So, when we talk about global reach, we’re not just spouting military jargon.

We’re talking about nations around the world trusting this missile to keep their skies clear.

Fortifying Alliances for a Safer Skyline

In the grand finale, Lockheed Martin’s call to duty for integrating AGM-88G HARMs on F-35s is more than just another contract.

It’s a power move, a nod to the future of airborne defense.

F-35A Lightning II
F-35A Lightning II (Image source: DVIDS)

With a target completion date of March 2026, it’s not a distant dream; it’s a countdown to a new era of F-35s dominating the skies and ensuring the security of nations that trust these cutting-edge warbirds.

So buckle up, folks – the skies are about to get a whole lot safer.