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BAE Systems’ FalconWorks® and Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works® have entered into a strategic partnership to develop a range of uncrewed autonomous air systems.
The partnership will bring together their advanced research and development divisions to co-develop a common design that will be rapidly deployable and modular to deliver a range of effects, including disruptive capabilities.
Drawing on both organisations’ rapid design, prototyping and advanced manufacturing expertise, the collaboration will focus on producing a cost-effective and easily deployable system with multiple launch options.
At first, it will focus on providing an electronic warfare and attack capability that would deliver disruptive capabilities and enhance the survivability of current crewed combat aircraft. The initial system will be designed with modularity and adaptability for different missions, and offer multiple launch options such as air drop, ground launch, maritime launch and launch from a wide-body logistic aircraft.
OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, said, “We’re pleased to join forces with BAE Systems, combining our expertise in rapid prototyping and advanced development to deliver game-changing capabilities. By working together, we’re unlocking new possibilities for our customers and advancing the future of autonomous systems.”
Dave Holmes, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ FalconWorks division, added, “Through our collaboration with Lockheed we’ll 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 collaboration comes at a time when nations are increasingly looking towards developing a mix of crewed and uncrewed assets to address the requirements of today’s rapidly evolving battlespace and the need to be able to quickly develop and field affordable ‘combat mass’ to support existing frontline combat platforms.
