Lockheed Martin has been selected to supply Australia’s first sovereign military communications satellite. The $2.7 billion deal is the largest space contract ever awarded by the Australian government. In addition to the stationary satellite, the US defense giant will provide Canberra with an integrated satellite communications management system and two new operations centers.

“Currently, the defense system has up to 89 objects connected to satellite communications.“, said the head of the Australian air defense and space systems office.

The satellite is expected to increase the durability, maneuverability and flexibility of the country’s space forces. It will provide coverage from the central Indian Ocean to the Solomon Islands from 2027.

Overall, this capability will provide the Australian Defense Force with reliable communications and reliable information when and where they need it, thereby contributing to the further growth and development of Australia’s defense and space industries. Australia received contracts from Lockheed Martin, as well as a team made up of Airbus, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon Technologies, as well as Thales.

Initially, the government planned to select two companies to move on to the next phase of the JP9102 program. However, the Australian Ministry of Defense has announced that it will only award the contract to Lockheed. The company’s proposal is reportedly based on its experience in providing four satellite communications systems for the US space forces.

“We are proud to be selected as the best bidder to supply this critical equipment to the Australian Defense Force.‘, said an official representative of Lockheed Martin.