Lockheed Martin has announced a new UK-focused technology development initiative led by its Skunk Works division, alongside joining the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) as a Tier 1 partner, according to the company.
The programme, named the Technology Roadmaps initiative, is intended to support the development of advanced defence capabilities in the UK by drawing on Skunk Works expertise and working closely with domestic partners. Lockheed Martin said the approach will prioritise collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises, alongside government, academia and industry.
The company identified key focus areas including artificial intelligence, autonomy, cyber technologies, advanced materials and space manufacturing. Initial efforts are expected to concentrate on generating near-term capability using existing technologies, while also contributing to longer-term innovation across the defence sector.
“Lockheed Martin recognises that for the UK Government, defence is an engine for growth, and cooperation of this type delivers for the UK, the US and their allies – moving technology faster, driving supply chain resilience and creating shared economic growth for all parties,” said Paul Livingston, Chief Executive for UK and NATO at Lockheed Martin.
The announcement builds on recent Skunk Works activity in the UK, including the TIQUILA uncrewed aerial system programme for the British Army and demonstrations of interoperability involving the Royal Air Force’s F-35 fleet. The company has also collaborated with BAE Systems’ FalconWorks on uncrewed air systems development.
As part of its MTC membership, Lockheed Martin will contribute to research and development projects focused on manufacturing and supply chain challenges. Areas of work are expected to include additive manufacturing, automation and digital integration, with the aim of reducing production costs and timelines while improving scalability.
“The Technology Roadmap initiative with UK industry and partners such as MTC will help us build on the long legacy of transatlantic excellence to deliver mutual security benefits today and into the future,” said OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Skunk Works.
The company said the partnership will also support efforts to increase the readiness of emerging technologies developed by UK SMEs, helping them progress more quickly towards deployment. Lockheed Martin’s UK business currently contributes around £2 billion annually to the economy and supports approximately 26,000 jobs, including through its supply chain.
As a US company LM are obliged to operate under US law so why are they involved as a tier one partner? Congress or Trump at any time could block support for any UK initiative. Surely rent political developments show how critical it is that the UK paddles its own canoe?
Unless LM are suddenly going to integrate METEOR and SPEAR 3 to F35 we should reject this involvement unless LM fully underwrite and indemnify all UK business that anything they have involvement with is entirely ITAR free and the UK is free to use and sell the technology to whomever HMG deems fit.
People on here are a lot more knowledgable than me on ITAR but isn’t GhostBat ITAR free, I thought I had read that somewhere. I know this was the big sticking point on AUKUS pillar 2 progressing at one point but never heard what inter government agreements on that subject emerged in the end. Others might be able to enlighten us.