New F-35 pact by summer

Lockheed Martin expects to sign a contract with the Defense Department this summer for an eighth batch of 43 F-35 fighters, but the deal is unlikely to match price reductions seen in the last several pacts, according to CFO Bruce Tanner. Although DOD’s F-35 program chief hoped to sign a new deal by the end of May, Tanner says it’s still possible by the end of June. (Source: Reuters 06/10/14) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home to F-35 training center for pilots and maintainers.