Lockheed Martin Secures Major Contracts Amid Global Production Push

The defense contractor Lockheed Martin has recently announced a series of significant contract wins and international manufacturing expansions, reinforcing its substantial order backlog. These developments come even as the company's share price has experienced recent volatility.

Despite short-term market fluctuations, institutional investors continue to demonstrate strong interest in Lockheed Martin. In one notable move, SCS Capital Management increased its stake by approximately 286 percent during the second quarter. The company's own forecast for fiscal year 2025 projects earnings per share to be in the range of $22.15 to $22.35.

Substantial U.S. Navy Contract for F-35 Program

A key development is a major contract modification from the U.S. Navy, valued at $1.14 billion. This funding is allocated for "Long Lead" components required for the F-35 fighter jets in production lots 20 and 21. The contract covers parts, materials, and components for a total of 198 new aircraft—65 for Lot 20 and 133 for Lot 21.

These jets are destined for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as international partners through foreign military sales. Work is scheduled for completion by December 2030, with 59 percent of the labor to be performed at the company's facility in Fort Worth, Texas. This agreement provides Lockheed Martin with clear production visibility for the F-35 program through the end of the decade.

Global Manufacturing Network Expands

The company is simultaneously broadening its global production footprint. In Australia, manufacturing of GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) rockets is set to begin this year at a facility in Port Wakefield. This location will become only the second production site worldwide for these weapon systems, alongside the primary plant in Camden, Arkansas.

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The Australian government's strategic investment in domestic missile production offers Lockheed Martin benefits including shorter supply lines to the Indo-Pacific region and relief for strained global ammunition supply chains.

Milestone Reached in Indian Partnership

A separate manufacturing achievement has been recorded in India through the joint venture Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited. The Hyderabad-based facility has delivered its 250th tail assembly for the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft. Every newly delivered global C-130J now incorporates a tail section manufactured in India.

New Hypersonic Development Facility

Further strengthening its research and development capabilities, Lockheed Martin inaugurated a new Hypersonic Integration Laboratory in Huntsville, Alabama on Friday. The $17.1 million, 17,000-square-foot facility is designed to accelerate the development of hypersonic weapons, a priority area within U.S. defense strategy.

The recent influx of large contracts and strategic expansion of production capacity highlights sustained long-term demand for defense equipment. By shifting certain manufacturing capabilities to partner nations, Lockheed Martin is mitigating regional supply chain risks and solidifying its role as a leading global systems provider.