# Department of War Awards Major Defense Contracts

The U.S. Department of War announced multiple significant contract awards between September 24-25, 2026, spanning the Navy, Air Force, Army, Defense Logistics Agency, and other defense agencies. These awards include a $123.8 million contract to Northrop Grumman for F-35 APG-85 radar production, a $1 billion multi-award construction contract for Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Northwest, and multi-billion dollar missile system contracts with Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. The Department is also engaging startups like Rocket Lab and Castelion to accelerate innovation in hypersonic and missile defense technologies. These contracts support long-term defense modernization, infrastructure projects, and advanced weapons systems through 2040 and beyond, presenting extensive opportunities for contractors in defense manufacturing, systems integration, construction, and R&D.

- **Key agencies involved:** Navy commands (NAVAIR, NAVSEA, NAVFAC NW), Air Force, Army, Defense Logistics Agency, and Department of War Innovation Unit
- **Prime contractors include:** Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Stark Aerospace, Electric Boat, and emerging startups Rocket Lab and Castelion
- **Contract values range from tens of millions to multi-billion dollar multi-year production and framework agreements, emphasizing sustained investment in missile systems, radar technology, and infrastructure
- **Procurement professionals should note the strategic emphasis on integrating innovative technologies from startups alongside established primes, indicating evolving acquisition strategies
- **Companies specializing in defense electronics, missile systems, construction, and advanced R&D are positioned to benefit from these long-term contracts and innovation partnerships
- **Contract completion timelines extend through 2031 and beyond, requiring sustained engagement and capacity planning for contractors and suppliers

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
- Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)
- Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS)
- Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC)
- Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)

### Vendors
- Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. (prime contractor)
- Raytheon Company (prime contractor)
- Lockheed Martin (prime contractor)
- Stark Aerospace Inc. (prime contractor)
- Electric Boat Corp. (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> The startups, just like we saw in Ukraine, have this ability of innovation to move at a faster speed and a more innovative technology, more creativity in the process, out-of-the-box thinking that we desperately need for our defense industrial base.
> — Michael McCaul, Representative

### Sources
- [
	Contracts for Sept. 24, 2026 > U.S. Department of War > Contract | U.S. Department of War
](https://www.war.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4611082/contracts-for-sept-24-2026) - U.S. Department of War (.gov)
- [$ONDS IN TODAY🚨

DZYNE awarded a $46M contract modification with the US Air Force. 

https://t.co/1IhyeeCjNY https://t.co/tnbtgFtkx1](https://x.com/SheriffStrategy/status/2103274292586901948) - twitter-defense
- [Northrop Grumman Receives Long-Lead Funding for 67 APG-85 Radars for F-35s - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/northrop-grumman-receives-long-lead-funding-for-67-apg-85-radars-for-f-35s/air-force) - Defense Daily