Washington, October 15, 2026 / PRNewswire / -- Lockheed Martin's “Skunk Works” ( Skunk Works , NYSE : LMT ) and the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre ( NLR ) announced today the expansion of their strategic partnership during the “Netherlands-US Defense Industry Day”. Both parties stated that an exploratory memorandum of understanding ( MoU ) initiated two years ago has now evolved into a high-impact collaboration that is rapidly transforming advanced technologies from research laboratories into practical combat solutions, directly supporting the mission readiness capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
This agreement highlights the power of two institutions with similar philosophies to accelerate breakthroughs in key technologies by combining world-class expertise with global industry leadership. Skunk Works has over 80 years of pioneering history in aerospace system development and continues to provide cutting-edge solutions for the United States and its allies around the world. Skunk Works's forward-looking focus on innovation aligns with NLR's mission to make aerospace technology more sustainable, safer, more efficient, and more effective.
Proven results drive future innovation.
Since the signing of this memorandum of understanding, both parties have indicated that these two organizations have successfully managed the complex operational and security challenges inherent in the development of confidential high-tech technologies. By establishing a robust joint framework, holding seminars, and setting up specialized working groups, NLR and Skunk Works have been able to bridge the differences between their respective organizational cultures. This operational success has opened up more opportunities and paved the way for a more in-depth and ambitious roadmap.
The CEO of the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre, Tineke, van, der, Veen, stated: "We believe that modern aerospace research and development relies on global integration rather than isolated efforts. Therefore, cross-border cooperation is crucial for delivering systems that no single country can build on its own. Referring to the '2026 Dutch Defence White Paper', NATO is the cornerstone of our defence, and the United States is our most important ally. We will work together with Skunk Works to address the top priorities faced by the air force in the future."
Skunk Works Vice President and General Manager Ron Fehlen stated: "Lockheed Martin is excited about continuing to cooperate with NLR by extending this Memorandum of Understanding. We have already advanced some specific projects that utilize cutting-edge technologies, such as thermoplastic materials (Thermoplastics); through continued collaboration, we will develop new solutions to address urgent aerospace and defense challenges."
Both parties stated that in the next phase, cooperation will focus on four key pillars, including connectivity with the Dutch industrial base, coordination of military operations analysis, alignment of technical roadmaps, and collaboration in unmanned aerial vehicle systems ( UAS ). Both sides will promote the integration of the Dutch defense industry base into the international supply chain, bridge the gap between mission requirements and capability needs, and jointly advance the development of enabling technologies.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company dedicated to driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. The company states that its mission-oriented solutions and the "21st Century Security" (21st Century Security ®) vision are accelerating the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure that its clients remain at the forefront and always ready. For more information, please visit Lockheedmartin.com.
About the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre ( Royal NLR – Netherlands Aerospace Centre )
NLR is an objective and independent research center dedicated to making aerospace more sustainable, safer, more efficient, and more effective. As part of this mission, NLR provides innovative solutions and technical expertise to create a strong competitive position in the commercial sector. For more information, please visit www.nlr.org.
Message source:Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
