Why It Matters

Lockheed Martin is racing to secure its share of a historic defense modernization windfall. The company’s challenge is converting congressional authorization into actual contract awards for missiles, aircraft, and space systems. Congress approved $24.5 billion for the \"Golden Dome\" space-based missile defense initiative, but money remains unallocated pending program decisions. The Congressional Budget Office estimates space-based interceptor deployment could cost $542 billion over two decades.

Lockheed deploys 16 in-house lobbyists—including former House Armed Services Committee and Senate Intelligence Committee staffers—to work the FY 2026 NDAA and DoD appropriations simultaneously. The real competition isn’t just against BAE Systems—it’s against the clock to move from congressional rhetoric about China and Russia threats into actual program dollars.

By the Numbers

Lockheed Martin spent $4.14 million on in-house lobbying in Q3 2025, deploying 16 internal lobbyists rather than external firms.

The team includes veterans with direct congressional experience. Lorenzo Vernon Goco served a decade on Senate staff as Budget Director for the Senate Intelligence Committee. Tami Rae Plofchan was Acting Legislative Director for Rep. Ken Calvert, now Chair of House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee.

Three recent hires—Michael J. McBride, Morley P. Greene, and Kathleen Orlowsky McIntyre—were recruited from competitor BAE Systems, suggesting Lockheed is strengthening its defense appropriations bench.

The Agenda

Lockheed Martin focuses on defense priorities aligned with major congressional activity. Key targets include the FY 2026 NDAA and DoD Appropriations.

Legislative priorities include:

  • Missile Defense: Supporting the GOLDEN DOME Act for space-based missile defense systems
  • Spectrum Governance: Protecting military radar systems from FCC encroachment
  • Intelligence Programs: Lobbying on the Intelligence Authorization Act and space appropriations
  • Tax Policy: Supporting R&D expense deductions in H.R. 1

Between The Lines

The FY 2026 NDAA and DoD Appropriations are driving defense spending decisions, with the Senate NDAA including provisions for C-130 aircraft—a core Lockheed product.

The GOLDEN DOME Act dominates missile defense discussions. Senate Armed Services held hearings on missile defense activities, while Senator Mark Kelly pressed the Defense Secretary on cost concerns.

On spectrum, Senator Deb Fischer raised concerns that auctions could compromise military radar, while Senator Maria Cantwell warned about losing "the spectrum war".

Congress passed H.R. 1 reversing R&D amortization requirements—an industry-wide victory.

Competitive Landscape

Lockheed operates within a crowded defense contractor ecosystem. BAE Systems, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and General Atomics all lobby on defense appropriations and space programs. The Aerospace Industries Association coordinates industry positions on foreign military sales and tax provisions.

While companies align on broad issues like defense spending increases, competition intensifies over specific program funding. On Golden Dome, multiple contractors position as "Team USA" partners, reducing traditional rivalry on this priority.

The Bottom Line

Lockheed’s $4.14 million Q3 lobbying investment reflects the high stakes in securing federal contracts. With seasoned lobbyists targeting missile defense, hypersonics, and spectrum policy, the company aims to convert congressional authorization into actual dollars before fiscal or political winds shift.