Defense manufacturing giants Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems are initiating a development partnership to develop a new, “uncrewed autonomous air systems.” The work will be conducted by their respective research and development divisions – Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems' FalconWorks.
Their specific project will be a modular drone technology that will offer multiple launch options, like air drop, ground launch, maritime launch, and launch from a wide-body logistic aircraft, and will be adaptable for different missions.
They further noted that they plan to coordinate their work for a common design that will be rapidly deployable and modular, to deliver a range of effects, including disruptive capabilities.
Lockheed’s announcement did not describe the development schedule for the new combat drone. It did however note nations’ need to quickly develop and field affordable 'combat mass' to support existing frontline combat platforms.
The Skunk Works, officially the Lockheed Martin Advanced Development Programs division, is the organization’s unit for conducting highly classified research, development, rapid prototyping, and designing aircraft and advanced technology for national security and military applications.
Similarly, BAE Systems' FalconWorks is a research and development division focused on creating advanced "generation after next" combat air capabilities. It serves as a hub for innovation, bringing together small businesses, academia, and government agencies to work on cutting-edge technologies like autonomy, AI, electric aircraft, quantum sensing, and autonomous collaborative platforms.
