Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems have announced a strategic partnership aimed at developing a series of uncrewed autonomous air systems, showcased at the DSEI defense conference in the UK. This collaboration will draw on the advanced research and development capabilities of both companies, specifically within Lockheed Martin’s renowned Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks divisions.
The initiative seeks to merge expertise in rapid development, prototyping, and advanced manufacturing, creating a cost-effective and adaptable system designed for a variety of military missions. A key component of the program is the modular design which allows for quick deployment and the ability to perform multiple roles, including disruptive operations intended to complement traditional crewed combat aircraft.
The initial phase of this project is particularly focused on developing capabilities for electronic warfare and precision attack. The systems created will support various launch methods such as air drops, ground launches, maritime deployment, and integration with wide-body aircraft, emphasizing flexibility and rapid operational capability.
OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, highlighted the integration of expertise from both firms, remarking their commitment to deliver “game-changing capabilities.” Meanwhile, Dave Holmes, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ FalconWorks, emphasized the project’s objective to provide military customers with transformative capabilities, stating it would enable them to meet the evolving demands of modern battlefield environments.
The trend of focusing on unmanned systems is becoming increasingly prevalent among armed forces globally, prompting Lockheed Martin to broaden its collaborative efforts in this sector. Recently, in June, the company expanded its partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries to work on drones, rotorcraft, and crewed-uncrewed teaming initiatives. Additionally, in May, Lockheed formed a collaboration with Red Hat aimed at enhancing swarm autonomy for unmanned aerial systems. This partnership intends to utilize Red Hat’s container-based software alongside Lockheed’s autonomous swarm technologies, tested on the Indago 4 quadcopter, to ensure quicker software updates and improve the adaptability of drone swarms in tactical scenarios.
With these advancements, the two defense giants are poised to redefine operational capabilities and address the pressing requirements of modern military engagements through innovative unmanned systems.
