Lockheed Martin reports developments across its defense technology programs, including military aircraft, missile defense, space systems, and command-and-control platforms. Recurring updates cover F-35 and F-16 aircraft activity, Skunk Works® technologies such as the MDCX™ platform, layered missile defense programs using THAAD, PAC-3 and related interceptor experience, and GPS satellite production and launches.
Company news also includes U.S. and allied customer selections, contract awards, quarterly operating results, capital and production initiatives, and leadership changes within major businesses such as Aeronautics and Space.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) reported third-quarter 2026 sales of $20.7 billion, up 11% from the same quarter last year. Net earnings rose 14% to $1.845 billion, or $7.97 per diluted share, versus $1.619 billion, or $6.95. Operating cash flow fell to $3.438 billion from $3.728 billion; free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure of operating cash less capital spending, declined to $2.999 billion from $3.347 billion.
Backlog reached $292.0 billion, up 27% since the second quarter, including $52.5 billion associated with a multi-year PAC-3 interceptor award. All four segments increased sales. The company raised its 2026 outlook to approximately $80–$82 billion in sales, $30.35–$30.75 in diluted EPS and $7.8–$8.0 billion in free cash flow. F-35 Lot 20 costs began exceeding authorized funding; the company warned of negative financial effects without additional authorization and funding.
Lockheed Martin (LMT) and the Department of War unveiled a multiyear F-35 production and sustainment framework covering 850 U.S. aircraft.
The framework spans 10 years, including initial spares, modification kits and sustainment, plus international customer orders across Lots 21–30, at a continued production rate of 156 aircraft per year. Multiyear authority and associated appropriations must be granted before the parties finalize contract terms, pricing and schedules through a formal award. Lockheed Martin expects long-term pricing and volume discounts to save taxpayers billions of dollars over the aircraft's lifecycle, while capacity and logistics investments improve fleet readiness.
Lockheed Martin (LMT) delivered a C-130J-30 Super Hercules to the U.S. Navy on October 15 for future TACAMO service.
The aircraft will be converted into the E-130J Phoenix II for the Navy's airborne nuclear command-and-control support mission. It will transfer to Northrop Grumman, the mission systems integrator, where the industry team will complete the conversion before service entry.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre announced an expansion of their aerospace and defense collaboration through Skunk Works. The partnership began with an exploratory memorandum of understanding two years ago. Lockheed Martin said specific technology projects, including thermoplastics, have matured during the collaboration.
The partners plan to focus the next phase on connections with the Dutch industrial base, military operational analysis, technology roadmaps and unmanned aerial systems. Their stated plans include positioning the Dutch defense industrial base within the international supply chain and connecting mission needs with capability requirements.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) plans to create 6,000 U.S. jobs as it expands manufacturing capacity to accelerate munitions production. The total includes 2,000 jobs in Texas. A $300 million investment will expand its Grand Prairie manufacturing footprint to more than 735,000 square feet, including new space and converted offices.
Hadrian will supply a 24-machine machining cell, expected to be operational in early 2027 and operated by Lockheed Martin employees. More than 30 additional machines are already producing thousands of components weekly; the company expects nearly 100 new machines across the facility by year-end 2026. The expansion forms part of its commitment to invest $8–9 billion through 2030 to scale munitions production and modernize or expand more than 20 U.S. facilities.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Avio announced a cooperation agreement to support solid rocket motor production for missile programs.
After qualification, initial production will focus on Extended Range GMLRS and Precision Strike Missile motors at Avio USA’s new facility in Hurt, Virginia. The agreement gives Lockheed Martin access to a share of Avio’s merchant supply capacity. Lockheed Martin expects expanded capacity to support faster missile output and a more resilient supply chain. Avio USA is continuing facility construction and workforce expansion as it prepares to begin manufacturing.
Lockheed Martin (LMT) authorized a fourth-quarter 2026 dividend of $3.60 per share, payable on December 31, 2026. The dividend increases by $0.15 per share over the last quarter and goes to holders of record at the close of business on December 1, 2026. This marks the company's 24th consecutive year of dividend increases.
Lockheed Martin (LMT) debuted PAC-3 Edge, a new interceptor for the U.S. Army's Future Interceptor program, which remains in competition. The Army advanced Lockheed Martin to the next development stage. The company plans to begin testing in 2027 to prepare for rapid deployment by 2031. PAC-3 Edge builds on PAC-3 MSE technology and is designed to counter air, missile and hypersonic threats at higher altitudes and longer ranges.
Boeing (BA) received a contract award worth approximately $14.7 billion from Lockheed Martin to scale PAC-3 MSE seeker production and deliveries.
The award is an undefinitized contract action, meaning its terms are not yet finalized. It enables Boeing to triple seeker production under a previously announced seven-year framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War. Production ramp-up and hiring began earlier this year following the framework announcement. Boeing has invested in expanding its seeker factory and modernizing facilities, alongside supplier and process improvements. The company expects the contract to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in the Huntsville, Alabama, area.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) joined Finland in marking the arrival of its first two permanently based F-35A aircraft in the country.
Finland has now received 10 of its 64 F-35A aircraft. Eight are temporarily stationed in Arkansas, where Finnish pilots and maintainers are training ahead of the aircraft's continued introduction into Finnish service. Earlier this year, Patria became the first company other than Lockheed Martin to produce the F-35 forward fuselage, a section of the aircraft's body.