Tags: Lockheed Martin, Air Force, Advanced Extremely High Frequency
Publication: News.Yahoo.com
Publication Date: 12/28/2012

Artist rendering of a U.S. Air Force Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite in space. Image credit: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force have announced they reached a deal for the next two Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellites. The contract, valued at $1.9 billion, runs through January 2022.

Despite reports that a deal wouldn’t be reached before 2013, the parties agreed on a fixed price and an incentive fee that allows the government to limit its risks. Having a deal before the end of 2012 also safeguards the satellites’ funding from expected budget cuts if U.S. lawmakers do not reach an agreement on the fiscal cliff.

According to the company, they are implementing new affordability initiatives with the Air Force to reduce the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite program costs. The programs ensure uninterrupted military communications among top military commanders and the White House in the event of a nuclear war, as well as more routine communications.

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