Contract expands GPS fleet
The United States Space Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a new contract to build two additional GPS‑3F satellites. Valued at approximately $514 million, the agreement raises the total number of GPS‑3F satellites ordered to fourteen.
Technical upgrades
The forthcoming satellites will incorporate advanced anti‑jamming technology to improve the resilience of the Global Positioning System against interference. They will also carry digital payloads for more flexible data handling and upgraded civilian navigation signals that provide higher positioning accuracy for commercial users.
Implications for navigation
Expanding the GPS‑3F constellation is intended to boost global availability and precision of the system. The new signals serve both military and civilian customers, supporting the ongoing modernization of the United States navigation infrastructure.
Future outlook
Lockheed Martin is slated to begin production of the two satellites in the coming months, with launches expected within the next two years. The contract forms part of a broader modernization effort that the U.S. space agency plans to continue for decades.