# DoD Awards Major Defense Contracts and Advances Satellite Security

The Department of Defense has awarded several significant contracts in September 2026, addressing critical capability enhancements amid ongoing munitions shortages. Northrop Grumman received an **$87 million** contract to integrate the AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) on F-16 fighters, enhancing electronic warfare capabilities. L3Harris Technologies secured a **$139 million** contract for production and support of submarine low-profile photonics masts (LPMs) Type 20 and Type 24, vital for undersea operations. Additionally, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali was awarded a **$4.2 billion** contract for the development, production, and initial support of two new generation DDX destroyers for the Italian Navy, involving subcontractors Fincantieri and Leonardo. Concurrently, the U.S. Senate passed the Secure Space Act to strengthen satellite infrastructure security by restricting licenses to foreign entities considered national security risks, reflecting heightened focus on space asset protection.

- **Why this matters:** These contracts represent substantial investments in electronic warfare, submarine technology, and naval surface combatants, signaling procurement priorities amid supply chain challenges.
- Procurement professionals should note the scale and scope of these awards, which may influence subcontracting and supply opportunities, especially in electronic warfare and photonics.
- The Secure Space Act introduces regulatory changes affecting satellite licensing, requiring contractors and vendors in space infrastructure to assess compliance and potential impacts on foreign partnerships.
- Organizations involved in defense manufacturing and space technology should evaluate strategic positioning in light of these developments and the ongoing munitions supply constraints.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Government Accountability Office (GAO)
- Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- U.S. Navy

### Vendors
- Northrop Grumman (prime contractor)
- L3Harris Technologies (prime contractor)
- Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (prime contractor)
- Fincantieri (subcontractor)
- Leonardo (subcontractor)

### Sources
- [Defense Watch: Munitions Shortages, IVEWS LRIP, Satellite Infrastructure - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/defense-watch-munitions-shortages-ivews-lrip-satellite-infrastructure/defense-watch) - Defense Daily