US approves nearly $1 billion upgrade for F-35 fighter jet fleet

The US is set to provide a nearly $1 billion upgrade programme for its F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. Reports said Lockheed Martin has been awarded $999.1 million to deliver 432 modification kits for the jets. The upgrades are linked to the F-35's evolving Block 4 modernisation package which includes increased missile capacity, advanced electronic warfare systems, improved target recognition.