The defense industry plays a crucial role in ensuring national security and safeguarding a country. Through government contracting, numerous companies contribute to the efforts of the Department of Defense and the military, acquiring advanced weaponry, machines, and equipment.

5 Contracts Elevating Defense Capabilities

In this article, we highlight some of the largest defense government contracts in 2023, showcasing the significant contributions of these contracts to national defense.

1. Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program 

• Prime Contractor: Lockheed Martin 
• Contracting activity: Department of Defense
• Contract value: $1.7 Trillion 

The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, executed by the Department of Defense, holds the distinction of being the most expensive weapons system contract. The program’s overall acquisition, operation, and maintenance value have surpassed $1.7 trillion. 

As the prime contractor, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company has designed and produced the F-35 Lightning II JSF. Lockheed Martin is known as a worldwide aerospace and defense company and led the 2022 Largest Defense Contractors. 

The F-35, a lethal fighter jet, bolsters US national security missions, fosters economic growth through global partnerships, and features advanced sensors and communications suites that enhance networked aviation, maritime, space, surface, and ground systems. It stands at the forefront of the network-centric security architecture of the 21st century. 

2. General Dynamics’ 12 Columbia-class Ballistic Missile Submarine Contract

• Prime Contractor: General Dynamics 

• Contracting activity: US Navy

• Contract value: $132 billion 

The Columbia-class Submarine Program, valued at $132 billion, sees General Dynamics Electric Boat as the prime contractor best suited for this contract. This program involves the delivery of the first Columbia-class submarine, which is the largest and most intricate in the Navy’s history. 

In conjunction with this program, General Dynamics awarded HII with a $567 million contract, designing them as the major shipbuilding partner. Together, they will construct the Columbia-class submarines as part of the US nuclear triad, which comprises bombers, land-based missiles, and submarines.

The Navy plans to deploy the first vessel in the 12-submarine program in 2031, with testing and modifications scheduled for completion by April 2027. Adhering to the GAO standards and DOD guidance, the program includes schedule risk analysis to evaluate and manage potential risks that could impact the timeline.

3. KBR, Vectrus Systems, PAE-Parsons, and Fluor’s JV for LOGCAP V 

• Prime Contractors: KBR, Vectrus Systems, PAE-Parsons Global Logistics Services, and Fluor Intercontinental Inc
• Contracting activity: US Army
• Contract value: $82 billion

The US Army awarded the $82 billion Logistics Civil Augmentation Program or LOGCAP V was awarded to four primary defense companies. LOGCAP is an international program that aids and supports overseas Army forces by providing essential services and supplies ranging from food and utilities to building infrastructures and facilities.

The selected companies, including V2X (formerly Vectrus Systems), Pacific Architects and Engineers (PAE), KBR, Inc., and Fluor Corporation, secured this $82 billion deal.

4. Northrop Grumman’s B21 Raider Long-range Strike Bomber 

• Prime Contractor: Northrop Grumman
• Contracting activity: US Air Force
• Contract value: Approximately $80 billion

In October 2015, the US Air Force initially awarded Northrop Grumman the contract to build the B-21 Raider. Continuing their involvement, the defense contractor secured another B-21 Raider contract with an estimated value of $80 billion to construct this new stealth bomber.

The B-21 is a digital bomber developed by Northrop Grumman, capable of carrying  both conventional and nuclear weapons. This stealthy, deep-strike bomber possesses unparalleled destructive potential. Northrop Grumman leverages advanced software development, manufacturing, and digital engineering to reduce production risk and enable modern sustainment. 

The testing and final assembly of six B-21 bombers takes place in Palmdale. The Air Force expects to procure these new stealth bombers by 2030.

5.  Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Program 

• Prime Contractor: Boeing
• Contracting activity: Air Force Life Cycle Management Center
• Contract value: $23.8 billion

Prime contractor Boeing Co. secured a significant $23.8 billion contract for the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Program in September 2021. The company assumes the role of the product support provider for the C-17 weapons system, making this one of Boeing’s most substantial government contracts.

The C-17, with its high-wing design and four powerful engines enables rapid troops and supply transfer to major operational bases or forward outposts within deployment regions. Boeing will provide aircraft maintenance and upgrades, staff and machinery management, logistics, and cybersecurity. The operational site under this contract may include international countries like Australia, Kuwait, Qatar, Canada, UAE, and NATO countries, until May 2031.

These five large defense government contracts play a pivotal role in strengthening national security and equipping military forces with advanced capabilities. From Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II JSF program to Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Program, these contracts demonstrate the commitment of defense companies to supporting the Department of Defense and the military in their mission to safeguard nations and maintain global stability.