Work has started to integrate two advanced missile systems with Britain's fleet of F-35 fighter planes, defense contractor BAE Systems announced.

BAE has received its first funding from Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor on the program, to integrate into the F-35 Meteor air-to-air missiles and SPEAR precision surface attack missiles made by European missile systems developer MBDA.

Lockheed Martin and BAE will also work with MBDA on the use of Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, and with Raytheon on use of its Paveway IV missiles, a BAE statement said.

"This is a significant milestone for the U.K. Combat Air's capability," said Cliff Waldwyn, MBDA chief of Combat Air, Group Business Development. "This initial package of work officially commences the integration of Meteor and SPEAR and will enhance the operational capability of the UK's Lightning Force in the future; it is also a positive step for the wider F-35 enterprise as it adds additional capability choice for international customers."

The work will significantly increase the potential firepower of the planes for the Royal Air Force. The first four F-35s, in a series of planes ordered, arrived in Britain in June 2018.

The announcement comes days after the last two Panavia Tornado fighter planes in the RAF fleet were formally retired at Britain's Markham air base. The swing-wing Tornado was an essential element in British air combat capability for over 40 years.

Related Links
Aerospace News at SpaceMart.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Air Force receives first AC-130J Ghostrider gunship
Washington (UPI) Mar 13, 2019
The U.S. Air Force announced the delivery of its newest gunship on Wednesday as the AC-130J Ghostrider was unveiled at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The plane is an upgrade of the Block 20 AC-130J, with Block 30 improved software and avionics. The aircraft is the first to be delivered to the Air Force's 4th Special Operations Squadron, 1st Special Operations Wing. Additional upgraded planes are meant to retire the AC-130U planes the Air Force has used for over 20 years. "The Block 30 AC-13 ... read more