Lockheed Martin Secures $122.5M Pentagon Deal to Turbocharge Missile Manufacturing

The U.S. Department of Defense has granted Lockheed Martin a contract worth $122.5 million to facilitate the enhancement of its manufacturing facilities in Orlando, Florida. This financial commitment aims to amplify the production capacity for the AGM-158B JASSM-ER long-range cruise missile and the AGM-158C LRASM anti-ship missile.

Initiated in March, the agreement is anticipated to be finalized by mid-July 2028. Lockheed Martin will employ the investment to acquire crucial tooling and testing equipment, ensuring a more streamlined manufacturing procedure to meet the escalating domestic and global demand.

The choice to augment production originates from the increasing needs of the U.S. armed forces and a growing number of international clients. To accommodate potential export requests promptly, Lockheed Martin must enhance its manufacturing capabilities.

One significant benefit of these missiles is their interoperability with the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. With 19 nations already utilizing or intending to incorporate the F-35, this integration remarkably expands the market for the AGM-158 missile lineup.

The AGM-158 JASSM has already been sold to Australia, Finland, and Poland, with additional countries placing orders through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, underscoring its rising global appeal.

In a similar vein, the AGM-158C LRASM anti-ship missile has started to gain momentum in the export sector, with Australia being the first confirmed buyer. Additional nations, including Poland, have also expressed interest in acquiring this state-of-the-art missile system.