Defense & Military
Space Force Awards Over 1 Billion in National Security Launches to SpaceX and ULA
US Space Force assigns seven critical national security launch missions worth $1.1 billion to SpaceX and ULA under NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts.
The United States Space Force has announced a significant milestone in its National Security Space Launch Program with the assignment of seven critical future missions valued at over $1.1 billion to SpaceX and United Launch Alliance, marking the first batch of high-priority launches scheduled beyond fiscal year 2027. This development represents a pivotal moment in America’s strategic approach to maintaining assured access to space for national security purposes, demonstrating both the maturation of commercial space capabilities and the ongoing evolution of military space acquisition strategies.
The announcement underscores the Space Force’s commitment to leveraging multiple launch providers while maintaining rigorous standards for mission-critical payloads, with SpaceX receiving five missions worth $714 million and ULA securing two missions valued at $428 million under the Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts. The exclusion of Blue Origin from this initial assignment highlights the stringent certification requirements that govern national security space launches, as the company’s New Glenn rocket awaits completion of its certification process through a required second launch expected in late October. These awards occur within the broader context of the Space Force’s $13.7 billion National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 2 program, which represents one of the most significant military space acquisition efforts in recent history and reflects the critical importance of space-based capabilities to modern national security operations.
The National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program represents a fundamental transformation of how the United States approaches military and intelligence space missions. Originally evolving from the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program established in 1994, the NSSL was rebranded in 2019 to reflect modern priorities: assured access to space, transition away from Russian-made engines, adaptability to manifest changes, and integration of reusable technologies. This evolution was propelled by the need to reduce costs and ensure reliability for critical national security payloads.
The current Phase 3 architecture implements a dual-lane strategy. Lane 1 accommodates commercial-like missions with higher risk tolerance and provides emerging launch providers annual on-ramp opportunities for roughly 30 missions over the contract period. Lane 2, the focus of the recent awards, covers “no fail” missions with the most stringent qualification criteria, about 54 launches for the most demanding and least risk-tolerant payloads. The doubling of the manifest compared to Phase 2 demonstrates the growing reliance on space-based assets and the complexity of the threat environment.
By supporting multiple certified launch providers and encouraging new entrants, the Space Force seeks to ensure long-term resilience and competitiveness in the domestic launch sector. This approach not only provides redundancy and innovation but also creates pathways for newer companies to build their reputations before taking on the most sensitive missions. The dual-lane structure reflects a nuanced understanding of risk, cost, and mission assurance in a rapidly evolving sector.
The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts represent one of the largest military space acquisition programs, with total anticipated values reaching $13.676 billion across SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin. SpaceX received the largest contract allocation at $5.92 billion for approximately 28 missions (about 60% of the manifest), while ULA secured $5.37 billion for 19 missions (about 40%). Blue Origin, as the third provider, is allocated $2.39 billion for seven projected missions beginning in the program’s second order year.
The contracts use firm fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements, transferring risk to contractors and providing government cost predictability. The mission awards typically have a two-year integration period, meaning actual launches will occur from fiscal year 2027 through 2032. This accounts for the complex integration and testing needed for high-value payloads and provides schedule margin for satellite development delays.
Recent assignments illustrate per-mission costs: SpaceX’s five missions average $142.8 million each, while ULA’s two missions average $214 million. These differences reflect mission complexity, orbital requirements, and vehicle capabilities. The Space Force’s Mission Assignment Board, in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), ensures each mission is matched with the provider best suited for its technical and schedule needs. “Space launch architecture is the foundation of both our economic prosperity and our national security.”
SpaceX’s dominant position in NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 is rooted in its proven reliability, cost-effectiveness, and technical capabilities. With Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy both certified for national security launches, SpaceX has demonstrated high launch cadence and reusability, which have transformed both commercial and government launch markets.
The five assigned missions include USSF-206/WGS-12 (a military communications satellite), USSF-155, NROL-86, USSF-149, and USSF-63. Except for WGS-12, the others are classified, underscoring their intelligence and reconnaissance significance. The Wideband Global SATCOM constellation, for example, provides secure, high-capacity communications for global military operations, with WGS-12 incorporating enhanced anti-jam capabilities.
SpaceX’s cost advantage, $142.8 million per awarded mission, stems from its reusable technology and streamlined production. Its operational scale (97 Falcon 9 launches in 2024) offers schedule flexibility and reliability valued by national security customers. However, this dominance raises concerns about over-reliance on a single provider, a risk the Space Force seeks to mitigate by maintaining competition.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is transitioning from its legacy Atlas V and Delta IV rockets to the Vulcan Centaur system. The company’s awarded missions, NROL-88 (a classified intelligence payload) and USSF-88/GPS IIIF-4 (a navigation satellite), underscore its continued relevance for high-value, technically demanding missions.
The GPS IIIF satellites, managed under a $7.2 billion Lockheed Martin contract, bring enhanced accuracy and stronger encryption for military and civilian navigation. ULA’s Vulcan Centaur is powered by Blue Origin’s BE-4 engines, replacing the Russian RD-180, and is designed for direct injection to geosynchronous orbit and other challenging profiles.
ULA’s higher per-mission cost ($214 million on average) reflects these technical demands and the capabilities of Vulcan Centaur. However, delays in Vulcan’s development and certification have drawn scrutiny from Space Force officials, emphasizing the need for ULA to demonstrate improved reliability and accountability as competition intensifies.
Blue Origin was not assigned missions in this initial batch due to its New Glenn rocket awaiting a second successful launch for Space Force certification. The maiden flight in January 2025 marked a milestone, but operational reliability and mission assurance remain to be proven for NSSL’s most sensitive missions.
New Glenn, with seven BE-4 engines and designed for heavy-lift and reusability, is foundational to Blue Origin’s ambitions in commercial and government markets. The company has secured commercial contracts, but NSSL participation depends on meeting the rigorous two-launch certification requirement, a standard recently reduced from three launches for similar vehicles. Blue Origin’s future in NSSL is significant, with a $2.39 billion contract allocation for seven missions. Its successful certification would expand competition, reduce over-reliance on existing providers, and further drive innovation and cost-effectiveness in national security launches.
The awarded missions span communications (WGS-12), navigation (GPS IIIF-4), and classified intelligence (NROL-86, NROL-88, etc.), each presenting unique technical requirements. Communications satellites like WGS-12 provide resilient, high-bandwidth links for military command and control, while navigation satellites like GPS IIIF-4 underpin both military operations and critical civilian infrastructure.
Classified reconnaissance missions, managed in partnership with the NRO, support intelligence gathering and situational awareness. These often require precise orbital insertion and high reliability, influencing launch provider selection based on vehicle performance and mission assurance history.
The complexity of these missions drives the need for diverse launch capabilities, from direct geosynchronous injection to medium Earth orbit navigation deployments. The NSSL program’s structure ensures the Space Force can match each mission’s needs with the most appropriate and capable provider.
The NSSL program is a catalyst for broader technological and industrial base development. The transition to domestically produced engines (e.g., BE-4, Merlin, Raptor) addresses strategic vulnerabilities and reduces reliance on foreign suppliers. Reusability, pioneered by SpaceX and pursued by Blue Origin and ULA, is driving down costs and increasing operational flexibility.
Advanced manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and quality assurance are critical for both commercial and government customers. The Space Force’s multi-provider strategy supports industrial base health, stimulates innovation, and ensures capacity to surge launches if needed for national security.
Government anchor contracts like NSSL enable private investment in advanced technologies, benefiting both military and commercial markets. The emphasis on mission assurance and quality control ensures that critical national security payloads are delivered reliably and securely.
“All SpaceX competitors combined cannot currently deliver the other 40 percent”
The NSSL program reflects a shift from a duopoly to a more competitive launch market. SpaceX’s operational efficiency and aggressive pricing have set new benchmarks, while ULA seeks to differentiate through technical capabilities and reliability. Blue Origin’s upcoming certification could further disrupt the market. The Space Force’s multi-provider approach mitigates risks associated with over-reliance on a single company and maintains pricing pressure. New entrants in Lane 1, such as Rocket Lab and Stoke Space, expand the industrial base and offer flexible solutions for emerging mission needs.
International cooperation, industrial base health, and the need for rapid, responsive space operations are shaping future acquisition strategies. The balance between cost, risk, and mission assurance will remain central as the strategic environment evolves.
The Space Force’s assignment of seven critical missions to SpaceX and ULA marks a significant step in the evolution of American military space operations. It demonstrates the maturation of commercial launch providers and the importance of assured access to space for national security. The $1.1 billion awarded in this round is part of a broader $13.7 billion commitment to maintaining technological and operational superiority in space.
Looking ahead, the success of the NSSL program will depend on the ability to adapt to emerging threats, leverage commercial innovation, and maintain a resilient industrial base. As space becomes increasingly contested, the United States’ ability to maintain its advantages will rest on the continued evolution of its acquisition strategies, technology, and partnerships.
What is the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program? Why was Blue Origin not assigned any missions in this round? What types of missions are included in the recent awards? How does the Space Force decide which company gets which mission? What is the significance of the Lane 1 and Lane 2 structure?
Space Force Awards Critical National Security Launches to SpaceX and ULA: Analysis of Strategic Competition in Military Space Access
Evolution and Structure of the National Security Space Launch Program
Financial Architecture and Contract Structure Analysis
SpaceX’s Strategic Position and Mission Portfolio
United Launch Alliance: Transitioning Capabilities and Strategic Challenges
Blue Origin’s Certification Challenge and Future Prospects
Mission Types and Strategic Requirements Analysis
Technological Innovation and Industrial Base Considerations
Competitive Dynamics and Market Evolution
Conclusion
FAQ
The NSSL program is the Department of Defense’s primary mechanism for acquiring launch services for critical military and intelligence payloads, ensuring assured access to space through competitively awarded contracts to certified providers.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket has not yet completed its required second certification launch for Space Force approval. Once certified, Blue Origin is expected to receive missions under the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 program.
The awarded missions include military communications (WGS-12), navigation (GPS IIIF-4), and classified intelligence and reconnaissance payloads for the National Reconnaissance Office and the Space Force.
The Space Force, in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office, matches missions to providers based on technical requirements, schedule, cost, and provider performance through a Mission Assignment Board process.
Lane 1 is for less sensitive, commercial-like missions with higher risk tolerance, while Lane 2 covers “no fail” missions with the highest assurance and qualification standards, reflecting the different risk profiles of national security payloads.
Sources
Photo Credit: Montage
Defense & Military
Embraer and Saab Unveil First Gripen E Fighter Produced in Brazil
Embraer and Saab unveiled the first Gripen E fighter jet assembled in Brazil, enhancing local defense manufacturing and fulfilling a 2014 contract.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
On March 25, 2026, Embraer, Saab, and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) marked a historic milestone in Latin American aerospace by unveiling the first Gripen E fighter jet manufactured on Brazilian soil. The rollout ceremony took place at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, officially introducing the first supersonic fighter aircraft ever produced in the country.
According to the official press release, the event drew high-profile attendees, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Swedish Ambassador Karin Wallensteen, and top executives from both Embraer and Saab. The presentation of the aircraft highlights a successful technology transfer program and elevates Brazil into a select group of nations capable of manufacturing advanced combat aircraft.
The newly unveiled Gripen E is the result of a deeply integrated Brazilian and international supply chain. Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility handles the final assembly, utilizing aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s plant in São Bernardo do Campo. According to Embraer, 14 additional aircraft will be built using this exact production model under the current FAB contract.
Before being handed over to the customer, the newly assembled fighter will undergo rigorous functional and production flight testing. Once cleared, it will join the First Defense Group (1st GDA) stationed at the Anápolis Air Force Base.
Company leadership emphasized the broader implications of the rollout. In the press release, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, highlighted the collaborative effort:
“…it symbolizes the strength of a partnership built on trust, long‑term vision, and true cooperation.”
The foundation for this manufacturing achievement was laid in 2014 when the Brazilian government signed a comprehensive contract with Saab. The agreement covers the development and production of 36 Gripen fighters, specifically 28 single-seat Gripen E models and eight two-seat Gripen F variants.
Deliveries from Sweden began in 2020, and the press release notes that at least 10 aircraft have already been handed over to the Brazilian Air Force. The Gripen fleet is already active; since February, the fighters have been executing Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions from the Anápolis Air Force Base to safeguard the airspace over Brazil’s federal district. Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, noted the strategic importance of the local production capability, stating in the release:
“…developing, within Brazil, the capability to produce a high-tech supersonic fighter aircraft – fully capable of executing air superiority missions…”
We view the successful rollout of a domestically assembled Gripen E as a transformative moment for Embraer and the Brazilian defense sector. By proving it can assemble and integrate a sophisticated, network-centric supersonic fighter, Embraer significantly enhances its high-end military manufacturing portfolio. This capability not only fulfills Brazil’s immediate national security and airspace defense needs but also positions the Gavião Peixoto facility as a potential regional export and maintenance hub for South America. As neighboring countries evaluate their aging fighter fleets, we believe Brazil’s proven production line could offer Saab a strategic foothold for future Latin American sales.
Where was the first Brazilian-made Gripen E produced? How many Gripen fighters did Brazil order? How many more Gripens will be built in Brazil?
Production and Strategic Partnership
Details of the Gavião Peixoto Facility
Contract History and Operational Status
The 2014 Agreement
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The aircraft was assembled at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, using components including aerostructures from Saab’s facility in São Bernardo do Campo.
Under a 2014 contract, the Brazilian government ordered 36 Gripen fighters, comprising 28 single-seat Gripen E jets and 8 two-seat Gripen F jets.
According to the Embraer press release, 14 additional aircraft will be produced at the Gavião Peixoto facility under the current contract.
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Japan received three F-35B fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base, advancing its goal to deploy eight F-35Bs by fiscal year 2025 end.
In late March 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) received three additional F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. According to social media account @thef35 on X, the delivery highlights that procurement
“momentum continues” for the Japanese defense forces.
This latest arrival is a critical milestone. Based on defense research data, the delivery keeps Japan’s Ministry of Defense on track to meet its goal of deploying an initial batch of eight F-35Bs by the end of fiscal year 2025, which concludes on March 31, 2026. Japan received its first three F-35Bs on August 7, 2025, ferried by U.S. pilots, and officially activated the fleet for frontline service during a ceremony on February 7, 2026.
The integration of the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft represents a historic shift in Japan’s defense posture. Defense reports indicate Japan plans to acquire 147 F-35s in total, 105 conventional F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, making it the largest operator of the fifth-generation fighter outside the United States.
While the F-35Bs are operated by the JASDF, defense analysts note their primary strategic value lies in their integration with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
To accommodate the STOVL aircraft, Japan has been modifying its two largest warships, the Izumo-class helicopter destroyers JS Izumo and JS Kaga. According to defense research, these modifications include reshaping the bows into a rectangular configuration and applying heat-resistant deck coatings capable of withstanding the F-35B’s powerful lift fan.
These upgrades were put to the test recently. In October 2024, a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps F-35B successfully conducted the first landing and takeoff trials on the modified JS Kaga off the coast of San Diego, California. This milestone effectively proved the vessel’s capability to operate as a light aircraft carrier, returning fixed-wing carrier aviation to the Japanese fleet for the first time since World War II.
Japan’s acquisition of the F-35B is widely viewed by defense researchers as a direct response to a tightening regional security environment, particularly the rapid military modernization and maritime maneuvers of China in the East and South China Seas. Nyutabaru Air Base is strategically located on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. Defense reports highlight that this positions the F-35B fleet in close proximity to the Nansei Islands chain, which stretches toward Taiwan and includes the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands. The STOVL capability allows Japan to project air power from the sea and operate from shorter, austere runways on remote islands.
Under its post-WWII pacifist constitution, Japan has historically maintained a strictly defensive military posture. The deployment of carrier-capable stealth fighters represents a shift toward what defense analysts term “active deterrence.” To navigate political sensitivities regarding offensive capabilities, the Japanese government officially classifies the Izumo and Kaga as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Despite the strategic momentum, the domestic rollout of the F-35B fleet has faced logistical and political hurdles.
According to defense research data, Japan is constructing a dedicated runway and training facility on the uninhabited island of Mageshima, located roughly 160 kilometers south of Nyutabaru. This facility is intended for F-35B Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) and vertical landing drills.
However, the Mageshima project has been delayed until approximately 2029 or 2030. Consequently, routine vertical landing training must be conducted at Nyutabaru Airports in the interim. This temporary arrangement has triggered protests and concerns from local residents in Miyazaki Prefecture regarding severe aircraft noise pollution.
We view the successful delivery of these F-35Bs as more than just a national defense upgrade for Japan; it is a foundational step for allied interoperability in the Indo-Pacific. By operating the F-35B from modified destroyers, Japan ensures seamless integration with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces, as well as other allied operators like the United Kingdom and Italy. This opens the door for future cross-decking operations, where allied jets can land on Japanese ships and vice versa, creating a highly flexible, distributed maritime strike capability that complicates adversary planning in the region.
According to defense procurement data, Japan plans to acquire a total of 147 F-35 military-aircraft, consisting of 105 F-35A conventional takeoff variants and 42 F-35B STOVL variants.
The F-35B features Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships, light aircraft carriers, and short or austere runways. To align with its post-WWII pacifist constitution, which limits offensive military capabilities, Japan officially classifies the modified Izumo-class vessels as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Sources: @thef35, Defense Research Report
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Latest Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Strategic Shift: The “Lightning Carriers”
Vessel Modifications and Sea Trials
Geopolitical Drivers and Regional Defense
Defending the Nansei Islands
Domestic Challenges and Infrastructure
Local Impact at Nyutabaru
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many F-35s is Japan buying?
What makes the F-35B different?
Why are Japan’s carrier-capable ships called destroyers?
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
GKN Aerospace Delivers First Upgraded RM12 Engine to Swedish Armed Forces
GKN Aerospace delivers the first upgraded RM12 engine under a £32 million programme enhancing Sweden’s Gripen C/D fighter fleet performance and endurance.
This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace.
GKN Aerospace has officially delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a critical milestone in the RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme. The delivery is part of a broader initiative to modernize the propulsion systems of Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter fleet.
According to a company press release, the RM12EP programme is valued at approximately £32 million (SEK 400 million). The initiative focuses on increasing engine thrust, extending operational endurance, and improving overall efficiency to ensure the legacy fighter aircraft remain highly capable in modern operational environments.
The successful handover of the first enhanced engine underscores GKN Aerospace’s nearly century-long partnership with the Swedish Air Force. As the type certificate holder for the RM12 engine, the company continues to play a central role in maintaining Sweden’s aerial defense readiness.
The RM12EP upgrade introduces significant technical improvements to the existing powerplants. In its official statement, GKN Aerospace noted that the enhancements include the installation of improved turbine hardware alongside updated engine control software. These modifications are specifically designed to boost engine thrust and extend the operating time of the engines, while simultaneously reducing life cycle costs for the Swedish Armed Forces.
The RM12EP programme was originally launched in 2019. It represents a long-term strategic effort led by GKN Aerospace to ensure that the Gripen C/D remains a cost-efficient and highly capable platform, even as newer generations of fighter aircraft enter service.
All upgrade work for the RM12 engines is being conducted at GKN Aerospace’s specialized facility in Trollhättan, Sweden. The company maintains comprehensive responsibility for the development, manufacturing, system support, and maintenance of both the RM12 engine, which powers the Gripen C/D, and the newer RM16 engine, which is utilized in the advanced Gripen E/F models.
The delivery of the first upgraded unit was achieved through extensive cross-functional collaboration. GKN Aerospace highlighted that the milestone involved coordination across engineering, production, quality assurance, procurement, and logistics departments. Furthermore, the project relies on key partnerships with industry leaders GE and Saab. Additional upgraded engines are scheduled to be delivered continuously to the Swedish Armed Forces in accordance with the programme’s planned timeline. “This first upgraded engine delivery represents an important step forward in enhancing the performance and endurance of the Gripen system. As type certificate holder for the Gripen C/D engine and with a partnership with the Swedish Air Force that spans nearly a century, we are proud to continue supporting Sweden’s operational capability and future readiness.”
We note that the delivery of the first upgraded RM12 engine highlights a broader trend in global defense procurement: the necessity of extending the operational lifespan of proven legacy platforms. While the Swedish Air Force is actively transitioning to the next-generation Gripen E/F, maintaining a robust and capable fleet of Gripen C/D aircraft remains essential for national security and regional stability.
By investing £32 million into the RM12EP programme, Sweden is ensuring a cost-effective bridge between aircraft generations. The enhancements to thrust and endurance not only improve the tactical capabilities of the Gripen C/D but also optimize maintenance schedules and reduce long-term operational costs. This dual-track approach, upgrading existing assets while procuring new ones, allows the Swedish Armed Forces to maintain a high state of readiness without compromising on technological advancement.
Furthermore, keeping the upgrade work localized at the Trollhättan facility secures domestic aerospace expertise and supply chain resilience. As geopolitical tensions in Europe remain a focal point for defense ministries, the ability to independently maintain and upgrade critical defense infrastructure is a significant strategic advantage for Sweden.
The RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme is an upgrade initiative led by GKN Aerospace for the Swedish Armed Forces. Launched in 2019, it aims to improve the thrust, endurance, and efficiency of the RM12 engines powering the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft.
According to GKN Aerospace, the programme is valued at approximately £32 million, which equates to SEK 400 million.
All development, manufacturing, and maintenance work for the RM12 engine upgrades is carried out at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.
The RM12EP programme involves strong collaboration between GKN Aerospace and key industry partners, including GE and Saab.
The RM12EP Upgrade Programme
Technical Enhancements
Production and Partnerships
Strategic Implications for the Swedish Air Force
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RM12EP programme?
How much is the RM12EP programme worth?
Where is the upgrade work being performed?
Who are the key partners in this programme?
Sources
Photo Credit: GKN Aerospace
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