"Defense Department Awards $2.5 Billion Satellite Contracts to L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, and Sierra Space"

The Pentagon has awarded contracts totaling $2.5 billion to L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, and Sierra Space to build 54 satellites for the U.S. Space Force's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. These satellites, part of the "Tranche 2 Tracking Layer," will be used for missile warning, tracking, and defense. Each company will build 18 satellites, with the project expected to launch in April 2027. The initiative aims to enhance the U.S. military's space capabilities in response to growing threats, particularly from China, and reflects the increasing investment in space-related defense efforts.