Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems partner on autonomous air systems

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and BAE Systems (LSE: BAES) announced a partnership to develop uncrewed autonomous air systems at the DSEI global defense conference in the United Kingdom on September 9.

The collaboration will bring together Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division and BAE Systems' FalconWorks unit to create a modular design for rapidly deployable systems with electronic warfare and attack capabilities.

The system will offer multiple launch options including air drop, ground launch, maritime launch, and launch from wide-body logistics aircraft. The companies stated the initial focus will be on electronic warfare and attack capabilities that could enhance the survivability of crewed combat aircraft.

The partnership aims to produce cost-effective systems with modularity and adaptability for different missions, according to the press release. The design will leverage both organizations' rapid prototyping and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

"We're pleased to join forces with BAE Systems, combining our expertise in rapid prototyping and advanced development to deliver game-changing capabilities," said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.

Dave Holmes, managing director of BAE Systems' FalconWorks division, said the collaboration will "deliver disruptive capabilities that can make a real difference to our military customers at pace, enabling them to confront the operational requirements of today's battlefield."

The announcement comes as military organizations seek to develop combinations of crewed and uncrewed assets to address evolving battlefield requirements and field affordable combat systems to support existing platforms, according to the companies' statement.

You May Also Be Interested In