ClearanceJobs’ newest publication, NatSec@Work, is a digital magazine packed with industry insights and tactical advice for the national security workforce (cleared and beyond). This article, featured in the first edition, breaks down the top defense contracts awarded in Q1 of 2025. Whether you’re tracking defense spending trends or just curious about where your tax dollars are going, learn more below.
If you’re wondering where the Department of Defense is placing its biggest bets in 2025, look no further than the first
quarter’s contract awards. From rockets to sustainment to cutting-edge propulsion systems, Q1 was packed with multi-billion-dollar moves aimed at securing America’s technological edge and operational readiness.
Top 3 Biggest Defense Contracts in Q1 2025
1. $5.6 Billion
Space Launch Gets a Boost
Awarded March 27, 2025
Air Force | Rocket Lab National Security & Stoke Space Technologies
The Air Force’s Space Systems Command made waves with a $5.6 billion ceiling award to Rocket Lab and Stoke Space for the National Security Space (NSS) Launch Phase Three. This contract covers future launches that will deliver national
security payloads into orbit, cementing these commercial launch providers as central players in the Pentagon’s space ambitions. With a growing number of satellites and space assets in development, this isn’t just a big contract—it’s a strategic one.
2. $5.0 Billion
SeaPort-NxG Expands the Navy’s Bench
Awarded January 2, 2025
Navy | 1,023 Contractors
In what’s practically an annual tradition now, the Navy expanded its SeaPort NxG multiple award contract vehicle, awarding spots to over a thousand companies. This contract is the primary way the Navy procures engineering and program management support services, and it’s estimated to funnel around $5 billion a year into this ecosystem. It’s less flashy than missiles and rockets, but SeaPort-NxG is how the Navy gets stuff done—behind the scenes and on budget.
3. $5.0 Billion
F110 Engines for Global Allies
Awarded March 14, 2025
Air Force | General Electric Aerospace
General Electric landed a massive deal to supply F110 engines to foreign partners including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Bulgaria. The $5 billion contract supports both install and spare engines, complete with modernized engine monitoring systems. As allied air forces modernize and expand their fleets, GE is clearly playing the long game—and reaping the rewards.
Honorary Mentions: The Rest of the Top 10
$4.94 Billion
Lockheed Martin Corp.
Awarded March 28, 2025
Army | Precision Strike Missiles Increment One
$4.19 Billion
Leidos, Raytheon, QinetiQ & Others
Awarded March 13, 2025
Army | Lighter-than-air systems and elevated sensors
$3.5 Billion
General Electric Co.
Awarded January 27, 2025
Air Force | Next Gen Adaptive Propulsion development
$3.5 Billion
Raytheon/Pratt & Whitney
Awarded January 27, 2025
Air Force | NGAP prototype propulsion systems
$2.46 Billion
Boeing Co.
Awarded March 31, 2025
Air Force | C-17 Globemaster III sustainment
$2.5 Billion
Tetra Tech, NOVA Group, and 17 others
Awarded March 26, 2025
Air Force | DoD fuel infrastructure construction and maintenance
$1.93 Billion
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control
Awarded March 13, 2025
Air Force | JASSM & LRASM production
Strategy Behind the Spend
These massive contracts don’t just represent dollars—they signal where the Pentagon is focusing its energy: propulsion modernization, allied capabilities, space dominance, and infrastructure resilience.
If the first quarter is any indication, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for defense investments—and the contractors poised to deliver. Stay tuned—Q2 is already lining up to be just as interesting.
