Lockheed Martin Locks Down Maritime Dominance With Ultra Acquisition
Lockheed Martin to Acquire Ultra Maritime Solutions: A Strategic Move to Enhance Undersea Warfare …
06. July 2026

Lockheed Martin to Acquire Ultra Maritime Solutions in $3.5 Billion Deal: A Shift in Undersea Warfare Capabilities
In a move that promises to significantly bolster Lockheed Martin’s capabilities in undersea warfare, the aerospace giant announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Ultra Maritime Solutions for approximately $3.45 billion. The deal marks a strategic expansion of Lockheed Martin’s rotary and mission systems division, which will assume responsibility for Ultra Maritime’s operations upon completion.
Ultra Maritime, a leading developer of undersea and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) technologies, has been making waves in the defense industry with its innovative sonar systems, advanced sonobuoys, torpedo defense systems, radar solutions, and autonomous maritime sensing platforms. The company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge undersea capabilities has earned it a reputation as a trusted partner for allied navies seeking to enhance their ASW capabilities.
Next year, new regulations will impact tech companies handling sensitive information related to undersea warfare systems. Lockheed Martin’s acquisition of Ultra Maritime is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of ASW operations.
“This acquisition represents a significant opportunity for Lockheed Martin to accelerate our delivery of advanced undersea and anti-submarine warfare capabilities to our U.S. and allied partners,” said Stephanie Hill, president of Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems. “By combining Ultra Maritime’s expertise with our own capabilities, we can unlock new levels of performance and effectiveness in the ASW domain.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Ultra Maritime will become a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin’s rotary and mission systems division. The acquisition is expected to be completed within the next year, pending customary regulatory approvals.
Advent, a private equity investor, acquired Ultra Maritime – then part of Cobham Ultra – in 2022. Since then, the company has benefited from approximately $170 million in advanced product development and manufacturing capabilities, which have contributed to a significant increase in annual revenue, with growth exceeding 17 percent.
The investment by Advent marked a pivotal moment for Ultra Maritime, as it brought new capital and resources to the undersea company. Over the past four years, the private equity firm has worked closely with the Ultra Maritime team to accelerate product development, expand manufacturing capacity, and enhance customer engagement.
“We saw an underinvested business with critical mission technology and a vital role in protecting allied nations from undersea threats,” said Shonnel Malani, managing partner at Advent and chair of the board at Ultra Electronics. “Over the past four years, we have transformed Ultra Maritime into a stronger, more innovative partner to allied navies, with improved execution, greater industrial capacity, and next-generation autonomous solutions that position it well for future warfare.”
Ultra Maritime has been actively engaged in strategic partnerships with other defense firms, including Anduril and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. These collaborations aim to drive innovation in undersea sensing capabilities, with a focus on developing autonomous subsea sensors and unmanned airborne detection systems.
In recognition of its expertise, Ultra Maritime was awarded a sole-source contract by the U.S. Navy for low-rate initial production of the AN/SSQ-125B sonobuoy, a critical component used by the Navy for anti-submarine warfare operations. This deal underscores the company’s reputation as a trusted provider of ASW solutions.
With the acquisition of Ultra Maritime, Lockheed Martin is poised to expand its undersea capabilities and enhance its position as a leader in ASW systems. The combined entity will offer an unparalleled range of advanced sonar technologies, autonomous sensing platforms, and torpedo defense systems – all designed to provide naval forces with enhanced situational awareness and improved survivability.
The deal has also been hailed as a testament to the growing importance of undersea warfare in modern naval operations. As adversary nations seek to enhance their own ASW capabilities, the need for advanced technologies that can detect and engage submarines at sea is becoming increasingly pressing.
For Lockheed Martin and Ultra Maritime, this acquisition represents a major opportunity to redefine the boundaries of undersea warfare capabilities. By combining forces, the companies aim to accelerate innovation in ASW systems, drive growth in customer engagement, and enhance the overall effectiveness of naval operations worldwide.
Lockheed Martin’s acquisition of Ultra Maritime Solutions is a strategic move that will bolster its capabilities in undersea warfare. The deal demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technologies that support the nation’s defense priorities. With Ultra Maritime on board, the company is well-positioned to address emerging threats and capitalize on new opportunities in the ASW domain.
As the global defense landscape continues to evolve, Lockheed Martin’s acquisition of Ultra Maritime Solutions marks a significant development in undersea warfare capabilities. By integrating Ultra Maritime’s innovative technologies into its own portfolio, Lockheed Martin is poised to deliver advanced solutions that will shape the future of ASW operations and support the nation’s security interests.