Whether that capability is funded through ARES isn’t clear.

Lockheed Martin says it doesn’t know which bit of hardware or software it might be working on first for ARES, although Smith says there’s been some activity “in planning and flow with prior work.” He expects “numerous contract approvals over the next few months” and that Lockheed will be “fielding capability” by the end of 2022. So ARES is not really a modernization program but maybe a good template for what one should look like? Notably, Smith asserts that ARES is “really about setting up a partnership with the Air Force” to streamline modernization and sustainment. Much of the upgrade activity connected with ARES is classified, as with most things Raptor. According to Smith, the first task order for ARES is “$2 million worth of work associated with the F-22.” The Air Force did not respond to queries about funding and more.Īs noted on GovConWire, ARES is a “potential 10-year, $10.86 billion contract.” The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center obligated $200,000 in fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation funds at the time of award but there’s littler further detail. Such forthrightness naturally raises multiple questions which Lockheed says can only be addressed by the Air Force. He does reassure, on Lockheed’s behalf, that, “We’re happy to work with them on the pieces that come together.” Lockheed is the sole-source prime for ARES and Smith adds that there are “no clear definite commitments that how the services are funding the $10.8 billion.” “It’s just little drops of activity that come along over the time frame of this contract which is for ten years.” “Nothing was awarded like that,” Smith observes. Lockheed Martin’s program manager for the F-22, Kevin “Red” Smith, acknowledges that the $10.8 billion touted for ARES is “all future funding.” Airshow media preview on Februin Singapore. A United States Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jet performs an aerial display during the Singapore.

F 22 raptor facts