Multiyear F-35 production and sustainment strengthens the supply chain, saves billions in taxpayer dollars and improves fleet readiness.

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of War and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) unveiled a transformative framework agreement for multiyear F-35 Lightning II production and sustainment. This framework includes 850 U.S. aircraft over 10 years with associated initial spares, 10 years of modification kits and sustainment, and international customer orders across Lots 21-30, at a continued production rate of 156 aircraft per year. 

“This multiyear framework strengthens the way we can plan and invest in the F-35 enterprise,” said Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet. “With the greater certainty that comes from the U.S. government’s transformative approach to F-35 production and sustainment, we can make the upfront investments needed to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and build a more resilient supply chain. That’s good for the taxpayer, good for our suppliers and, most importantly, good for the United States and its allies.”

If granted multiyear authority and associated appropriations in the coming months, the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin will work to finalize contract terms, pricing, and schedules through a formal contract award, which will fulfill the government’s imperative for a predictable, affordable, and resilient fighter jet enterprise. This effort is expected to save taxpayers billions of dollars over F-35’s lifecycle through long-term pricing and industry volume discounts.

The framework agreement directly addresses Department of War and Congressional priorities to improve F-35 readiness by:

Providing predictable, multiyear procurement planning that eliminates the need for supplemental appropriations for, obsolescence management and production tooling.Delivering high-volume procurement efficiencies and discounts that translate into tangible taxpayer savings.Ensuring transparent, data driven decision-making through integrated analytics that link budget inputs to readiness outcomes.Providing real-time visibility into parts inventory and readiness metrics through integrated analytics.

Highlights

Supply Chain Stability – Predictable demand from long-term contracts with suppliers will enable bulk procurement of raw materials and critical parts, slashing turnaround times and reducing logistics bottlenecks. This will result in better mission capable rates by eliminating the annual contracting cycle that has historically strained the industrial base. Affordability – The integrated procurement model that pairs aircraft production with purchases of spare and modification parts will deliver high-volume procurement discounts, drive down unit prices and provide the U.S. government the cost predictability it requires.Economic Impact – The program will support 317,000 U.S. jobs and generate approximately $79 billion in annual economic activity over the next decade, strengthening the nation’s industrial base and providing long-term stability for suppliers who have struggled to plan under the previous resourcing model.Readiness – This framework adds investments in industry capacity and logistics that build upon Lockheed Martin’s existing investments that inject parts into the global spares pool and will further improve fleet readiness and rapid repair turnaround for operations. International Benefits – The multiyear procurement model enables economies of scale that lower costs and enhance readiness for all F‑35 customers, reinforcing confidence in the global sustainment network and enhancing interoperability across allied fleets.

“Our new multiyear framework gives suppliers stability to plan for the future and invest with confidence, improving readiness across the F-35 fleet,” said OJ Sanchez, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “This, in addition to the investments Lockheed Martin is making to the global spares pool, will directly translate into higher mission capable rates and a more resilient supply chain – critical capabilities the warfighter needs to meet today’s mission and prepare for tomorrow’s threats.”

About the F-35 Lightning II

More than 1,375 F-35s are currently fielded around the globe, and the fleet has surpassed a million flight hours. The combat-proven F-35 operates from 42 bases worldwide, including 13 nations operating on home soil. As adversaries advance and legacy aircraft age, the F-35 is critical to maintaining air dominance into the future.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

MS2 Connect keeps Diamond counters in service and connects their data to MS2’s Traffic Count Database System

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MS2, a TAPCO brand and provider of transportation data management solutions, this week launched MS2 Connect, a new software solution that helps transportation agencies keep collecting critical traffic data after Diamond Traffic’s closure. The Windows desktop application allows agencies to continue using their existing Diamond traffic counters while simplifying how they collect, manage and transfer data used to inform roadway planning, infrastructure investments and traffic safety decisions.

Transportation agencies rely on accurate traffic data to inform roadway safety and infrastructure decisions. According to an October 2026 Federal Highway Administration notice, transportation departments in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico report traffic traffic volume, speed and vehicle type data to FHWA every month. State and local agencies collect that data year-round with detection devices in the field, and FHWA uses it to assess impacts on highway safety and manage the federal-aid highway program.

“The future envisioned by MS2 is not simply a better traffic counter or a better scheduling application. It is a connected, automated, data-driven short count program that protects existing hardware investments, connects scheduling and field workflows and enables automated data processing, AI-assisted quality control and faster delivery of trusted traffic data,” said Ben Chen, founder of MS2. “The real value comes from connecting scheduling, fieldwork and data processing capabilities into one continuous workflow, helping agencies make better transportation decisions based on better information.”

Following Diamond Traffic’s closure in February 2026, agencies relying on Diamond equipment faced uncertainty about the future of their traffic monitoring programs. MS2 Connect provides a path forward by supporting a broad range of existing Diamond counters while enabling agencies to connect their collected traffic data with MS2’s Traffic Count Database System (TCDS).

Protecting Investments and Simplifying Data Management

MS2 Connect supports both short count and continuous count operations, maintaining most of the functionality of the legacy Diamond Centurion software while introducing additional capabilities to simplify uploading traffic count files to TCDS.

With MS2 Connect, agencies can:

Protect existing investments: Continue using their Diamond traffic counting equipment without immediately purchasing replacements.Maintain data continuity: Support short-term and continuous traffic monitoring operations.Reduce operational disruption: Maintain access to familiar counter management functionality.Simplify data management: Streamline the process of transferring collected traffic data into MS2 TCDS.Build toward connected workflows: Take a step towards a more connected traffic data management process.

“We worked directly with our customers through surveys and collaborative design sessions, bringing together their feedback with expertise from MS2 and former Diamond employees,” said Jason Breault, Director of Client Success at MS2. “MS2 Connect extends the life of existing counters, protects agency investments and allows customers to continue collecting the data they rely on.”

Building the Foundation for a Unified Short Count Workflow

The launch of MS2 Connect represents an important milestone in MS2’s broader vision for a Unified Short Count Workflow.

MS2 is working toward a unified short count workflow that connects every stage of a traffic count program, from scheduling counts and managing fieldwork to collecting, validating and reporting data. The goal is fewer manual tasks and faster delivery of reliable traffic data for planning and decision-making.

Continuing MS2’s Commitment to Transportation Agencies

For more than two decades, MS2 has worked with transportation agencies to improve how they collect, manage and analyze roadway data. Today, more than 260 agencies across 33 U.S. states and Canada use MS2 software.

MS2 is part of TAPCO’s roadway safety portfolio, helping agencies turn transportation data into actionable insights that support safer roadways by identifying roadway risks, responding to dangerous situations and making more informed safety decisions.

To learn more about MS2 Connect and how it can support your agency’s Diamond traffic counters, contact the MS2 team at info@ms2soft.com.

About MS2
MS2, a TAPCO brand, provides transportation data management software that helps agencies collect, manage, analyze, and share transportation information. Its solutions support traffic monitoring, data collection, analytics, planning, and reporting to help agencies make informed transportation decisions.

About TAPCO
TAPCO is a leading provider of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) designed to enhance road safety and increase road and vehicle connectivity. Headquartered in Brown Deer, WI and founded in 1956, TAPCO manufactures innovative ITS systems and software alongside value-added integration and maintenance services. TAPCO has established itself as a trusted partner in improving road safety outcomes with ITS solutions for states, communities and businesses. For further information, please visit TAPCO’s website and follow on LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

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SOURCE TAPCO

MOSCOW, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IX Crypto Summit 2026 will take place on October 28–29 at MTS Live Hall in Moscow. ViaBTC, which operates one of the world’s top four Bitcoin (BTC) mining pools and the largest Zcash (ZEC) mining pool by hashrate, will join the event as a Strategic Partner to connect with miners and industry partners.

First held in Russia in 2022, Crypto Summit returns for its ninth edition this October. The event brings together miners, investors, exchanges, technology providers, and policymakers for discussions on mining infrastructure, digital asset markets, and regulation.

As ViaBTC marks its 10th anniversary in 2026, it continues to focus on making mining more reliable and rewarding for its users. The company pioneered the PPS+ payment model, allowing miners to receive a share of transaction fees on top of their PPS-based block rewards. PPS rewards are credited to miners’ accounts every hour, helping them manage their mining income with greater flexibility and efficiency. Crypto Summit offers an opportunity to build closer relationships with miners across Europe and the CIS, exchange practical insights, and better understand their needs.

During the summit, Anton, ViaBTC’s Business Development Director, will join a panel discussion on the changing mining landscape. Drawing on the company’s experience supporting miners through different market cycles, he is expected to discuss how mining businesses can adapt to market pressures, address profitability challenges, and find new opportunities for growth.

Alina, ViaBTC’s Business Development Manager, will also deliver a presentation titled “What a Miner Needs to Know About Working in a Pool in 2026,” sharing practical insights for miners on working with mining pools.

“Building trust with miners starts with listening and following through,” Anton said. “We want miners to know they can count on ViaBTC for reliable mining services and efficient reward distribution. Our goal is to make day-to-day mining easier to manage, so they can focus on their operations with confidence. We look forward to meeting miners at Crypto Summit, hearing about their experiences, and understanding what we can do better to support them.”

Attendees can meet the ViaBTC team at booth s-02 to learn more about its mining services, discuss opportunities to work together, and pick up exclusive ViaBTC swag.

About ViaBTC

ViaBTC is a multi-cryptocurrency mining pool serving miners worldwide. Launched in 2016, it specializes in secure, stable, and efficient Proof-of-Work (PoW) mining services, supporting major PoW cryptocurrencies including BTC, LTC/DOGE, BCH, ZEC, and KAS. ViaBTC has served more than 2 million users across over 150 countries and regions. Its BTC, LTC/DOGE merged-mining, BCH, and ZEC pools rank among the world’s leading mining pools.

Media Contact:
Vita Lei
pr@viabtc.com

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