Lockheed Martin to acquire Ultra Maritime in $3.45 billion defence deal

Monday 06 July 2026 - 14:15

By: Sahili Aya

Lockheed Martin to acquire Ultra Maritime in $3.45 billion defence deal

Lockheed Martin has agreed to acquire Ultra Maritime from private equity firm Advent in a deal valued at $3.45 billion, expanding its capabilities in naval warfare and undersea defence technologies.

The acquisition strengthens Lockheed Martin’s position in one of the fastest-growing segments of the global defence industry, as militaries increasingly invest in submarine detection, maritime surveillance and underwater security amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Ultra Maritime is a specialist in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and advanced undersea defence systems, supplying technologies used by naval forces to detect, track and counter submarine threats. Its portfolio includes sonar systems, acoustic sensors and other mission-critical maritime capabilities.

The company forms part of Cobham Ultra, a business created after Advent acquired British aerospace and defence company Cobham in 2019 and subsequently merged it with Ultra Electronics following its 2022 acquisition.

For Lockheed Martin, the purchase broadens an already extensive defence portfolio spanning aerospace, missile systems, naval combat and advanced military technologies. The addition of Ultra Maritime is expected to reinforce the company's ability to support customers seeking integrated solutions for increasingly complex maritime security environments.

The transaction also reflects sustained consolidation across the global defence sector, where major contractors are acquiring specialized technology companies to strengthen capabilities in areas such as autonomous systems, cyber defence, artificial intelligence and underwater warfare.

Growing investment in naval modernization by NATO members and Indo-Pacific allies has increased demand for advanced anti-submarine technologies, particularly as strategic competition intensifies beneath the world's oceans.

The acquisition remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Once completed, Ultra Maritime will become part of Lockheed Martin's defence portfolio, enhancing its presence in the rapidly expanding market for undersea military systems.