Lockheed Martin Wins $514M USSF Contract for Two Additional GPS III Satellites

Lockheed Martin has received a $514 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to build GPS IIIF Space Vehicles 23 and 24, increasing the company's total GPS IIIF backlog to 14 satellites.

The GPS IIIF program is part of the ongoing modernization of the Global Positioning System constellation, replacing aging satellites and introducing enhanced capabilities for both military and civilian users.

Key upgrades include the Regional Military Protection feature, which is designed to significantly improve anti-jam performance, additional M-Code capability for secure military navigation, and a digital navigation payload intended to improve positioning accuracy and reliability.

Christina Mancinelli, Vice President of Global Communications and Navigation at Lockheed Martin, said the next-generation satellites will help ensure military users have access to resilient GPS capabilities in increasingly contested environments. She also highlighted the company's continued investments in technology, facilities, and workforce supporting the program.

The new satellites will be built on Lockheed Martin's LM2100 Combat Bus platform, which incorporates enhanced cybersecurity protections, upgraded power and propulsion systems, and additional capacity for future technology upgrades.

The company stated that three GPS IIIF satellites have already completed the core mate milestone, while the remaining spacecraft are progressing through various stages of production.

The award follows the successful deployment of all GPS III satellites earlier this year, including GPS III SV09 and SV10.

Lockheed Martin also recently secured a separate $105 million contract to continue modernization efforts for the GPS ground segment.

Image Credits: Lockheed Martin