Lockheed Martin Expands Role in Mark IV-B Weather Program
Lockheed Martin has secured a $10.2 million contract modification for the Mark IV-B weather program, expanding its role in supporting U.S. Space Force and Air Force weather operations worldwide.
The U.S. Department of Defense announced that Lockheed Martin Space Mission Systems, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was awarded contract modification P00011 under an existing contract for the Mark IV-B weather program. The modification raises the total cumulative value of the contract to $21.9 million, up from $11.7 million.
The award was issued by Space Systems Command Directorate of Contracting at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, underscoring the growing importance of resilient and modernized military weather infrastructure.
Scope of Work and Global Footprint
The Mark IV-B weather program supports environmental monitoring and forecasting capabilities critical to U.S. and allied military operations. Under the modified contract, Lockheed Martin will perform work across a wide network of operational locations.
Designated work sites include Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, Kadena Air Base in Japan, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Kapaun Air Base in Germany, Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, and Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson in Alaska.
These sites reflect the global reach of U.S. air and space operations and the need for reliable, standardized weather systems to support flight operations, space launches, intelligence missions, and contingency planning.
Funding and Contract Timeline
Fiscal year 2026 operations and maintenance funds totaling $5.9 million are being obligated at the time of award, according to the Department of Defense contract notice. The remaining value will be funded in accordance with future budget allocations and contract milestones.
Work under the contract modification is scheduled to be completed by January 31, 2027. The timeline aligns with ongoing Space Force and Air Force efforts to modernize legacy ground systems and improve environmental awareness across contested and remote regions.
Importance of the Mark IV-B Weather Program
The Mark IV-B weather program provides ground-based weather processing and dissemination capabilities that support commanders, pilots, and mission planners. Accurate and timely weather data is essential for aircraft sortie generation, space launch operations, missile warning activities, and joint force readiness.
Military weather systems differ from civilian forecasting platforms by focusing on mission specific variables such as cloud ceilings, winds aloft, electro optical conditions, and space weather impacts. These factors directly affect aircraft survivability, sensor performance, and operational tempo.
According to U.S. Space Force planning documents, environmental intelligence remains a core enabler for multi domain operations, particularly as forces operate across greater distances and in more complex threat environments.
Lockheed Martin and Military Weather Modernization
Lockheed Martin has long supported U.S. military weather and environmental monitoring programs, including satellite ground systems, data processing architectures, and secure communications networks. The Mark IV-B weather program fits within the company’s broader portfolio of space and command and control solutions.
The contract modification reflects continued reliance on industry partners to sustain and upgrade critical infrastructure while new space based weather systems are developed and fielded. Space Systems Command oversees these efforts as part of its mandate to acquire and maintain space and ground capabilities for the Space Force.
Strategic Context
As U.S. forces operate in increasingly contested environments, dependable weather intelligence supports both day to day operations and crisis response. Bases in the Indo Pacific, Middle East, Europe, and Arctic regions face unique environmental challenges that require tailored forecasting tools.
The expansion of the Mark IV-B weather program highlights the incremental approach the Department of Defense is taking to modernize essential support systems while ensuring continuity of operations.
Looking Ahead
With completion scheduled for early 2027, the updated Mark IV-B weather infrastructure is expected to enhance reliability and interoperability across multiple combatant commands. The contract modification also reinforces Space Systems Command’s role as a central hub for space and ground system acquisitions.
As the Space Force continues to refine its mission set, investments in environmental awareness remain a foundational element of operational success.
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