“Skunk Works and FalconWorks Unite for Groundbreaking Strategic Partnership”

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works^® (NYSE: LMT) and BAE Systems FalconWorks (LSE: BAES) declared a tactical alliance at the DSEI global defence conference in the United Kingdom, aimed at developing a variety of uncrewed autonomous aerial systems. This partnership will see their advanced research and development units – Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks – collaborate on a unified design that will be swiftly deployable and modular, delivering a range of effects, including disruptive capabilities.

Leveraging both organizations’ rapid design, prototyping, and advanced manufacturing proficiencies, the collaboration will emphasize creating a cost-efficient and easily deployable system featuring various launch options. The initial focus will be on providing an electronic warfare and strike capability that would offer disruptive features and could enhance the survivability of existing crewed combat aircraft.

The preliminary system will be crafted with modularity and flexibility for diverse missions, providing multiple launch options such as air drop, ground launch, maritime launch, and launch from a wide-body logistics aircraft.

This announcement emerges at a moment when countries are increasingly inclined to develop a blend of crewed and uncrewed assets to meet the demands of today’s swiftly changing battlespace – and the necessity to rapidly develop and deploy affordable ‘combat mass’ to bolster existing frontline combat platforms.

“We’re excited to collaborate with BAE Systems, merging our expertise in rapid prototyping and advanced development to offer transformative capabilities,” stated OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “By joining forces, we’re unveiling new opportunities for our clients and pushing forward the future of autonomous systems.”

Dave Holmes, managing director of BAE Systems’ FalconWorks division, remarked: “Through our partnership with Lockheed Martin, we will provide disruptive capabilities that can significantly impact our military clients swiftly, enabling them to meet the operational challenges of today’s battlefield.”