British company BAE Systems, as one of several selected prime contractors, will provide the Air Force's weapons systems with modernization and maintenance support as part of the new F2AST contract vehicle. The contract is worth as much as $6.9 billion over 10 years among the prime contractors.

BAE, which was contracted for the previous FAST program in 2000, has a long history of supporting Air Force-operated weapon systems.

"BAE Systems gives the Air Force the reach and resources of one of the world's largest defense and aerospace companies," Doug Belair, BAE Technology Solutions and Services president, said in a statement.

"As an incumbent on the existing FAST contract, we'll continue our role of providing innovative solutions and services to meet the Readiness and Sustainment requirements of our customer."