Lockheed Wins $3.33Bn to Support Military Communication Satellites

The Pentagon has awarded Lockheed Martin $3.33 billion to support Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF), Milstar and other satellites meant to relay secure communications for the armed forces of United States, Britain, Canada, Netherlands and Australia.

“Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $3.33 billion contract for combined orbital operations, logistics and resiliency support services.  This contract provides for operations, sustainment and enhancement activities to support the Advanced Extremely High Frequency, Milstar and Defense Satellite Communications System III programs,” the US Department of Defense said in a statement Friday.

The AEHF system will consist of six satellites in geostationary orbits, five of which have been launched. 

“The AEHF System is the follow-on to the Milstar system, augmenting the capabilities of Milstar, and expanding the MILSATCOM architecture. AEHF provides connectivity across the spectrum of mission areas, including land, air and naval warfare; special operations; strategic nuclear operations; strategic defense; theater missile defense; and space operations and intelligence. Multiple international partners support the AEHF program,” according to US Air Force Space Command.

Work is expected to be completed by November 30, 2029.