Overview
Lockheed Martin was formed in March 1995 from the merger of the Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, uniting two lineages that stretch back to the earliest decades of American aviation. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the company has spent three decades as the world's largest defense contractor by revenue, spanning combat aircraft, space systems, missiles, helicopters, and classified advanced programs.
Its centre of gravity is the F-35 Lightning II — the backbone of fifth-generation air power for the United States and a growing list of allies, and the largest defense program in history. Beyond the F-35, the legendary Skunk Works advanced-programs division continues the tradition that produced the U-2, SR-71, and F-117, while the space business builds NASA's Orion crewed spacecraft and next-generation satellites, and Sikorsky — acquired in 2015 — produces the Black Hawk family of helicopters.
Lockheed Martin remains central to every strategic conversation in Western air power: from missile defense (PAC-3, THAAD) and precision fires (HIMARS, Javelin through its joint venture) to the sensor and satellite architectures underpinning allied deterrence.
Focus Areas
F-35 Lightning II
The fifth-generation multirole fighter operated by the US and 18+ allied nations — the largest and most networked fighter program in history.
Skunk Works
The famed advanced development division behind the U-2, SR-71 Blackbird, and F-117 — still the home of classified next-generation aircraft research.
Space Systems
NASA's Orion spacecraft for Artemis lunar missions, GPS III satellites, missile-warning constellations, and deep-space exploration platforms.
Sikorsky Helicopters
The Black Hawk, Seahawk, and heavy-lift CH-53K King Stallion — rotary-wing backbone of US and allied military aviation.
Missiles & Fire Control
PAC-3 and THAAD missile defense, HIMARS rocket artillery, and precision-strike munitions central to allied force structure.