Boeing and Lockheed Martin in Talks to Sell United Launch Alliance to Sierra Space

Boeing and Lockheed Martin are negotiating to sell their joint venture, United Launch Alliance (ULA), to Sierra Space. ULA, a major launch service provider, has long been speculated to change ownership. The deal, if successful, marks a shift in the space launch industry and separates ULA from two defense giants.

Boeing and Lockheed Martin are currently in negotiations to sell their rocket-launching joint venture, United Launch Alliance (ULA), to Sierra Space, sources familiar with the discussions have disclosed.

The potential sale of ULA, a key provider of launch services to the U.S. government and a major competitor to Elon Musk's SpaceX, signifies a major shift within the U.S. space launch industry. This move would detach ULA from two of the United States' largest defense contractors and place it into the hands of a smaller, privately held firm. This development follows years of speculation regarding ULA's future, including failed attempts to divest over the last decade. In 2019, Boeing and Lockheed Martin reportedly explored selling ULA but could not agree on terms with potential buyers.

According to sources, the negotiations could still conclude without a finalized deal. ULA redirected inquiries to Boeing and Lockheed, both of which stated they do not comment on market speculation. Sierra Space did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

(With inputs from agencies.)