The Pentagon has announced a major contract with Lockheed Martin valued at 431 million dollars for the production of multiple launch rocket systems, including HIMARS. This agreement, reported by TASS based on a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense, underscores Washington’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its long-range strike capabilities and supporting allied partners who purchase American weaponry.
Lockheed Martin Corporation is reportedly the recipient of a 430,930,711 dollar contract that covers full-scale production of HIMARS and related services. The goal is to meet the operational needs of the U.S. Army while also supplying foreign partners who rely on U.S. arms exports to bolster their defense posture. This contract signals persistent demand for reliable rocket artillery systems as part of the United States’ broader strategic security framework and defense aid programs for key allies.
In related regional defense discussions, Shūkan Gendai, citing a source from the Japanese Ministry of Defense, reported that Japan has decided to abandon the joint development of the next-generation FX fighter with the United States after negotiations with Lockheed Martin did not reach a satisfactory conclusion. The report reflects broader tensions and recalibrations in Western defense cooperation, as Tokyo reassesses co-development plans in light of evolving industrial and strategic considerations.
Earlier, The Wall Street Journal noted that major Western arms manufacturers are increasing production across rocket launchers, tanks, and ammunition to meet rising demand driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The coverage highlights how global demand for high-end defense technologies is shaping investment decisions, supply chains, and collaborations among allies while also affecting regional security dynamics across North America and Europe.