Lockheed Martin Corp. this month received a new $449 million Air Force contract for radar-evading cruise missiles while initial deliveries of some of the same missiles are at least nine months behind schedule.
Lockheed was to have delivered 30 extended-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles by last August 31. Because of flaws in the missile’s motor, the service now expects the deliveries to be completed by April 30, according to an e-mailed statement from Air Force spokesman Ed Gulick. The 30 are the first of 2,947 new precision-guided missiles that have a range of 575 miles (925 kilometers), compared with the original version’s 230 miles.
