Search

PODCAST: The Pentagon’s Plan to Mix Fourth and Fifth-Gen Fighters

PODCAST: The Pentagon’s Plan to Mix Fourth and Fifth-Gen Fighters

The Pentagon is considering purchasing new fourth-gen Boeing [BA] F-15EXs in addition to fifth-gen Lockheed Martin [LMT] F-35s to more quickly replace the Air Force’s aging fighter fleet. Where did this scenario come from, and what’s the rationale behind it?

On this episode of THE BUSINESS END, John is joined by Congressional and Air Force reporter Vivienne Machi to explore the fighter modernization strategy and what the procurement of F-15EXs would mean for the F-35 program. The conversation also features Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, and retired four-star General Mike Loh, former Commander of Air Combatant Command.

Take a listen to this episode below, or click here to download the show from iTunes. (Spotify here, and Google Play here.) If you like the show, make sure to SUBSCRIBE so you get new episodes as soon as they’re released!

Got feedback on the show, or want to get in touch? Please get in touch! We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

This episode of THE BUSINESS END is sponsored by Boeing. Sponsors have no input on editorial direction or coverage.



Contract Updates

BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc. (Boulder, Colorado) – $48,000,000

BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc., Boulder, Colorado, was awarded a $48,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the study, design, development, enhancement, testing, and procurement of advanced communication-electronics technologies. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and…


Portus Stevedoring LLC (Jacksonville, Florida) – $8,292,583

Portus Stevedoring LLC, Jacksonville, Florida, is awarded a not-to-exceed $8,292,583 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a five-year ordering period for stevedoring and related terminal services. This contract provides for full range of stevedoring and related terminal services to include the receipt,…


Foster Miller doing business as QinetiQ North America (Waltham, Massachusetts) – $11,310,230

Foster Miller, doing business as QinetiQ North America, Waltham, Massachusetts, is awarded an $11,310,230 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00174-21-D-0019) to exercise Option Year Four for production, engineering support, and post-production support of the MK 2 Man…


EnergySolutions Services Inc. (Oak Ridge, Tennessee) – $13,336,650

EnergySolutions Services Inc., Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is being awarded a $13,336,650 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract action (N42158-25-D-E001) for nuclear services for the processing, recycling and disposal of radiologic materials through disassembly, decontamination, metal melting, compaction, incineration, resin sluicing/dewater, bulk waste assay…