Pentagon to spend nearly $3.5 billion to build nuclear weapons control board

The Pentagon has awarded a nearly $3.5 billion contract to design and build an E-130J aircraft to provide communications to manage the country's nuclear triad. This was reported in the press service of the department on December 18.

The contract is with Florida-based Northrop Grumman Systems, a defense and construction corporation. The E-130J aircraft will provide a 24-hour airborne alert capability in case of nuclear war to manage the nuclear triad. Such communication is provided for the US President, the head of the Pentagon and Central Command.

It is specified that work on the new aircraft is planned to be completed by December 2034. The contract provides support for the product and initial spare parts, as well as testing and delivery of three models of aircraft.

Earlier, on Nov. 23, the Pentagon awarded military production and supply contracts worth more than $1.3 billion to large defense companies. The largest contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin totaling $869.9 for the production of F-35 Lot 20 fighter jets. The money is to be used to purchase equipment, components and materials. The planes will be supplied to the U.S. Air Force and Navy.