Air Force Plans Lockheed F-22 Upgrade Service Procurement

The US Air Force (USAF) is to launch its latest modernisation drive for the Lockheed Martin F-22 combat aircraft, dubbed Advanced Raptor Enhancement and Sustainment (ARES).

The U.S. Air Force's F-22 program office has indicated its intent to procure lead integrator services from Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) to address future modernization requirements for the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

“The proposed contract is a follow-on effort to the Raptor Enhancement, Development, and Integration II (REDI II) contract, and will satisfy future modernisation requirements, enterprise management, and select sustainment requirements to improve efficiencies within the F-22 programme,” the synopsis said. Also adding it is contemplated that the indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract will be awarded by June 2021 with a base ordering period of five years and a five year option.

USAF expects to award the Advanced Raptor Enhancement & Sustainment indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to Lockheed through a sole-source acquisition process by June next year, according to a presolicitaion notice posted Wednesday.

The service noted the company's aeronautics segment possesses the technical data and experience needed to facilitate the ARES program as the branch's sole F-22 manufacturer.

ARES will succeed the Raptor Enhancement, Development and Integration II contract and will have a five-year base ordering period plus one five-year option.

Responsibilities listed in the notice include studies, analyses and demonstration; test force and system laboratory support; and flight software modernization and sustainment.