Lockheed Martin: Securing its Supply Chain Capabilities

Lockheed Martin is reinforcing its focus on global defence technology through the US$3.45bn purchase of Ultra Maritime, which will join the corporation's Rotary and Mission Systems division.

Ultra Maritime provides specialised undersea and anti-submarine warfare solutions for naval entities, with a portfolio that includes sonar technologies, sonobuoys, torpedo defence systems, radar solutions and autonomous maritime sensing platforms.

Details of Lockheed Martin’s investment 

Through the new relationship, Lockheed Martin will expand its sonar solutions through Ultra Maritime’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) technologies which include exportable ASW products, such as its sonobuoys, towed sonar arrays and hull mounted sonar product lines.

This investment aligns with Lockheed Martin’s maritime approach of advancing defence technology while championing innovation. 

Stephanie C. Hill, President of Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, shares: "Undersea superiority belongs to those who move fastest and work together best.

“By joining forces with Ultra Maritime, we're accelerating our commitment to deliver the most advanced undersea and anti-submarine warfare capabilities to our US and allied partners across the globe.” 

Beyond expanding its defence technology portfolio, Lockheed Martin’s acquisition of Ultra Maritime highlights the growing importance of supply chain control in strategically important industries.

The deal represents a move to secure access to specialised capabilities, manufacturing expertise and critical technologies in a market where supplier availability and production capacity are increasingly important considerations.

As organisations face greater geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain disruption, it is procurement's job to protect business continuity. Rather than focusing solely on supplier cost and commercial terms, procurement leaders are increasingly assessing suppliers based on resilience, innovation capabilities and their ability to support long-term strategic objectives.

Shonnel Malani, Managing Partner at Advent and Chair of the Board at Ultra Electronics, adds: “When we invested in Ultra Maritime in 2022, we saw a business with mission-critical technology and a vital role in protecting allied nations from undersea threats, but one that had been underinvested and was not yet fully delivering for its customers.

“Over the past four years, we have changed that. Ultra Maritime is now a stronger, more innovative partner to allied navies, with improved execution, greater industrial capacity and next-generation autonomous solutions that position it well for future warfare.”

The acquisition also reflects a wider shift towards strategic supplier management, where organisations are seeking deeper partnerships with key suppliers rather than relying on traditional transactional relationships.

In industries with limited supplier options, procurement functions are increasingly responsible for developing resilient networks that can adapt to changing demand and market conditions.

Other procurement initiatives

Lockheed Martin has struck multiple deals throughout 2026. In June, the aerospace company signed a seven-year procurement agreement with the US Government’s Department of War (DoW) for up to US$35bn.

The award is expected to increase the production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors. 

Tim Cahill, President, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, says: “This award reflects our shared vision with the Department of War to strengthen America's Arsenal of Freedom through a transformational shift to multiyear procurement.

“This new approach propels our efforts to strengthen the defence industrial base, expand production and deliver capabilities to the American warfighter at unprecedented speed and scale.”

According to the DoW, Lockheed Martin is expected to complete production of the THAAD interceptors between March 2026 through June 2032 at its locations in Dallas, Texas; Sunnyvale, California; Troy, Alabama; and Camden, Arkansas.

Lockheed Martin’s wider procurement activity, including its agreement with GM to address production constraints, demonstrates how organisations are looking beyond traditional supply chains to increase capacity.

Cross-industry partnerships can provide access to additional manufacturing expertise, helping companies respond to demand pressures while reducing reliance on constrained suppliers.

For procurement leaders, these developments highlight the importance of supplier diversification, risk monitoring and early engagement with potential partners.

As supply chains become more closely linked to business strategy and national priorities, procurement is increasingly positioned as a function responsible for securing the capabilities organisations need to grow and operate effectively.