The contract builds on more than a decade of work under the Space Force’s Architecture Evolution Plan. Lockheed Martin will provide support for launch, early orbit and disposal operations for GPS IIIF satellites while enhancing overall system resilience.
“For more than ten years, Lockheed Martin has delivered and sustained operational GPS ground capability, evolving the system to provide resilient and mission-proven services that underpin daily warfighter operations,” said Christina Mancinelli. “Our continued work on the integrated GPS enterprise reflects an unwavering commitment to delivering reliable capability to the warfighter and to users around the world.”
The upgrades are intended to strengthen the end-to-end GPS enterprise and ensure continuous service. Officials said the work will improve support for critical military operations as well as everyday civilian functions such as transportation, banking and utilities.
Under the contract, enhanced launch capabilities will allow additional M-Code-enabled GPS IIIF satellites to be deployed. This is expected to improve signal resilience for military users operating in contested environments.
Lockheed Martin has completed production of all GPS III satellites and is now focusing on the next generation of GPS IIIF spacecraft. These satellites are being produced at the company’s facility in Denver, Colorado.
The GPS III satellites already provide significantly improved performance compared with earlier systems, including greater resiliency and higher accuracy. The upcoming GPS IIIF satellites will further enhance capabilities with stronger anti-jam signals and expanded performance for global users.
Officials said the modernization effort is designed to ensure the long-term reliability of the GPS constellation. The program supports both national defense requirements and the global infrastructure that depends on precise positioning and timing services.
