Nuclear Weapons Programs

Exploiting Crises: How Lockheed Martin Continues to Profit from Controversy

3. Lockheed Martin’s Profit Playbook

Despite the serious nature of concerns surrounding Lockheed Martin’s nuclear work, the financial ramifications for the company have been minimal. Government contracts continue to flow, buoyed by Cold War tensions and a bipartisan commitment to maintaining a robust nuclear deterrent. Regulatory enforcement remains soft, with fines and penalties rarely outweighing the profits derived from these controversial programs. For instance, while specific penalties may have been levied for safety violations, the overall funding allocated to nuclear modernization—and Lockheed Martin’s share of that funding—has steadily increased. Soft enforcement is further compounded by the complexities of government bureaucracy and the perception that Lockheed Martin’s expertise is irreplaceable in maintaining a critical national security infrastructure. Indeed, the strategic importance of nuclear programs, and the deep entrenchment of Lockheed Martin within them, shields the company from severe financial blows.