US Navy Bolsters Defense with Latest Raytheon, Lockheed Contracts

The US Navy is doubling down on modernizing its fleet, and two recent contracts show just how serious they are about staying ahead in the game.

Last week, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, two heavyweights in defense technology, respectively announced they have secured massive deals to enhance the Navy’s offensive and defensive capabilities.

These contracts, collectively valued at around $835 million, are designed to enhance both electronic warfare and undersea warfare systems, showcasing the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a technological edge against evolving threats.

Let’s break it down.

Raytheon’s $590M Contract for Next-Gen Jammer System

Raytheon announced on December 5 that it has been awarded a $590-million contract to continue work on the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system, a state-of-the-art electronic warfare solution for the EA-18G Growler aircraft.

This latest contract aims to strengthen the ability of the US Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to counter advanced radar systems and radio frequency threats.

The NGJ-MB system replaces the aging ALQ-99 jammer with a revolutionary open systems architecture, active electronically scanned arrays, and a fully digital backend.

These advancements enable extended-range operations, simultaneous multi-target engagement, and cutting-edge jamming techniques.

The system, developed jointly with the RAAF, reflects a robust international partnership and was greenlit for production in 2021 following rigorous flight tests.

“NGJ-MB is a revolutionary offensive electronic attack system for the joint force that puts a critical combat capability in the hands of our Navy warfighters,” said Barbara Borgonovi, Raytheon’s president of Naval Power.

Work on the project is expected to be completed by 2028, with production taking place across Texas, Mississippi, California, and Indiana.

The Navy’s confidence in Raytheon’s expertise is further underscored by a separate $192-million contract awarded in October to develop an upgraded NGJ-MB Expansion (NGJ-MBX) system.

Lockheed Martin’s $245M Contract Extension for MK 48 Torpedo Upgrades

In a parallel move to bolster its undersea warfare capabilities, the US Navy extended Lockheed Martin’s contract for the MK 48 Guidance and Control (G&C) program by $245 million.

This contract, announced on December 4, focuses on enhancing the Mod 7 version of the MK 48 submarine-launched torpedo, a weapon widely regarded as one of the most capable in the world.

The Mod 7 variant, co-developed with the Royal Australian Navy, features a high-explosive 650-pound warhead capable of devastating both surface ships and submarines.

The guidance and control upgrades will improve the torpedo’s precision and lethality, ensuring that it remains a formidable tool in the Navy’s arsenal.

Tom Warner, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President of Undersea Warfare, emphasized the company’s ability to revitalize and accelerate the production of this critical technology.

This contract extension also supports allied forces, including Australia, through foreign military sales, reinforcing international defense collaborations.

The MK 48 is operational across the US submarine fleet and is also used by the navies of Canada, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Taiwan, demonstrating its global impact.

Implications for the US Navy

These contracts highlight the Navy’s strategic priorities in both electronic and undersea warfare.

The NGJ-MB system equips the EA-18G Growler with the tools needed to counter increasingly sophisticated threats, enhancing situational awareness and mission success.

Similarly, the upgraded MK 48 torpedoes ensure the Navy retains dominance in undersea combat, particularly as adversaries expand their own submarine fleets and capabilities.

Investments in cutting-edge systems like these reflect a broader Pentagon strategy to address near-peer competition from nations like China and Russia.

As electronic warfare and undersea threats grow more complex, the Navy’s emphasis on innovation and rapid deployment will be critical to maintaining operational superiority.

Strengthening Partnerships and Readiness

Both projects underscore the importance of collaboration between the Navy and its international allies.

The joint development efforts with Australia for the NGJ-MB and MK 48 Mod 7 reflect the value of shared resources and expertise in addressing common security challenges.

Furthermore, by involving allies in these advancements, the Navy strengthens its network of interoperable forces, ensuring a united front against global threats.

Final Thoughts

The US Navy’s recent contracts with Raytheon and Lockheed Martin signal a forward-looking approach to modernizing its combat systems.

The NGJ-MB system enhances the Navy’s ability to dominate the electronic spectrum, while the MK 48 torpedo upgrades solidify its supremacy in undersea warfare.

Together, these investments not only ensure the Navy’s readiness for modern conflict but also reinforce critical alliances that contribute to global security.

As the Navy continues to face evolving challenges, partnerships with defense giants like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin will remain essential in safeguarding the maritime domain.