Lockheed Martin nearly ready to begin production of Bahrain-bound F-16s: Yesterday, executives from Lockheed Martin, Gov. Henry McMaster, and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham celebrated the unveiling of a new F-16 Block 70 production line at the air giant's Greenville, S.C. facility. Fighter jet production will begin later this year, with the first 16 jets to be sold to Bahrain in a $1.1 billion deal. 

"South Carolina's workforce is second to none, and the fact that Lockheed Martin continues to invest and put its faith in South Carolinians to build the newest F-16s in Greenville speaks volumes about our state and the company," said McMaster in a statement. "Every person who calls South Carolina home should be proud that the F-16 is made right here in the Palmetto state."

With future F-16 sales anticipated for Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Morocco, Lockheed Martin is bullish on their new Palmetto State production line. "This is an exciting time as we celebrate another important milestone for the F-16 ‒ the world's most successful, combat-proven 4th generation fighter," said Michele Evans, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. 

The Trump administration also hopes to sell new South Carolina-built F-16s to Taiwain, but the move is meeting resistance from China. Reports have surfaced that the Washington is putting the Taiwain F-16 deal on the back burner while the administration seeks to reach a trade deal with the People's Republic, according to Asia Times. Taiwan, meanwhile, maintains that the deal is happening.

According to the statement, "[m]ore than 400 new jobs will be created to support the F-16 production line in Greenville." --Chris Haire

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Dig South, the South’s tech summit, kicks off at noon, with registration at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, S.C., followed by Upload Charleston Shindig, the official opening night celebration.

The three-day conference, dubbed the SXSW of the Southeast, was designed to give companies access to global brands, build connections, and boost the South’s tech sector.

The theme this year is “What’s Your Story?” and the list of 81 speakers includes best-selling author Greg McKeown, LendingTree CFO J.D. Moriarty, and Oracle VP of Startup Ecosystems Jason Williamson, who will discuss the benefits of adversity. Talks cover emerging tech, business growth, digital marketing and fintech-blockchain, including a discussion about why crypto currencies are collapsing.

One of two pitch events will feature companies vying for $10,000 in Oracle Cloud credits plus entry into Oracle’s startup program. A limited number of tickets remain for general access, VIP access and the Upload Shindig. For more, visit digsouthtechsummit.com. --Leigh Savage

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Why it matters that Lockheed Martin will launch production of F-16s in Greenville (Greenville News)

Greenville scuttles apartments, Spinx plan over traffic torment on Haywood, Pelham roads (Greenville News)

Poe West development to include new coffee roastery and cafe (Upstate Business Journal)

Panthers’ plans for SC headquarters include massive complex, hotel (Rock Hill Herald)

SC Medical marijuana bill gives employers much to hash out (SC Biz News)

Despite drop in attendance, Charleston Wine + Food sets record for economic impact (Post and Courier)

Blackbaud office building sells for $35.5M (SC Biz News)

Why new Netflix show about the Outer Banks is filming in SC, and how you can be in it (The State)

BMW to buy cobalt direct from Australia, Morocco for EV batteries (AutoNews)

Gen Z can’t afford the SUVs Detroit is making (Bloomberg)

FDA and Outgoing Commissioner Scott Gottlieb Open Up About Cannabis and CBD Regulation (National Law Review)

The Defense Department, a hierarchy fixated on technology, is unequipped to confront a world of disruptive challenges (Defense One)


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