Pentagon Awards Lockheed With A $3 Billion Contract For Next-Gen Missile Warning Satellites

The next-generation OPIR satellites will replace the Space Based Infrared System. Credit: Lockheed Martin

Warzone/The Drive: USAF Hands Lockheed Billions For New Warning Satellites Amid Rush For More Space Sensors

The service is trying to push up the schedule for deploying its newest space-based sensor system, but it might not be fast enough for Congress.

The U.S. Air Force has formally hired Lockheed Martin to build three new missile warning satellites as part of the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared program, also called Next-Gen OPIR. Under pressure from members of Congress and critics within the U.S. military, the service is pushing an aggressive timetable for the project, which is just one part of still-developing plans for a broad array of new space-based sensors to help guard against both advanced ballistic missiles and emerging hypersonic threats.

On Aug. 14, 2018, in its daily contracting announcement, the Pentagon announced that Lockheed Martin had received the $2.9 billion dollar contract and that the Air Force expected to take delivery of the trio of satellites by April 30, 2021. In May 2018, the service had first revealed plans to give sole-source deals to both Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for Next-Gen OPIR work. The two firms have worked together in the past on the existing Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) missile warning constellation.

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