The U.S. Space Force has ordered two more GPS 3F satellites from Lockheed Martin under a $514 million contract option, the company announced. This procurement brings the total number of GPS 3F satellites on order to 14, solidifying the next-generation navigation constellation's expansion.
The new satellites will include advanced anti-jam capabilities, fully digital payloads, and upgraded civilian navigation signals. These features are designed to improve resistance to electronic warfare threats and enhance positioning accuracy for both military and civilian users.
Specific launch dates and a detailed timeline for the two new satellites have not been disclosed. The GPS 3F program is part of the Space Force's ongoing effort to modernize the aging GPS constellation, with earlier GPS 3 satellites already in orbit.
The GPS 3F series represents a significant leap in navigation technology, offering greater signal security and flexibility through software-defined payloads. Lockheed Martin remains the sole prime contractor for the program, which is critical for U.S. military operations and global commercial infrastructure.
The cost of the overall GPS 3F program, including these two satellites, was not detailed. This order underscores the Pentagon's commitment to assured positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities amid growing threats from adversaries such as China and Russia developing anti-satellite weapons.