Skunk Works, the advanced development organization within Lockheed Martin Corporation, has announced a strategic collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR). This partnership, revealed at the Netherlands Defence Industry Days event, aims to bolster security interests for both organizations.
The two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to guide cooperation in key areas, including European strategic autonomy, military operational analysis, technology roadmaps, and enhancing connectivity with the Dutch industrial base. This initiative seeks to reinforce the defence priorities of the United States, the Netherlands, and their allies.
With an 80-year legacy of pioneering aerospace systems, Skunk Works continues to deliver innovative solutions. Its commitment to cutting-edge technology aligns with NLR’s mission to make aerospace technology more sustainable, safer, and more effective.
“Lockheed Martin has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Dutch government and industry,” said Atherton Carty, vice president of business development at Skunk Works. “This MOU with NLR marks an important expansion of that relationship, enabling us to explore new ways our combined expertise in technology, research, and analysis can help address pressing challenges in aerospace and defence in a rapidly changing global security landscape.”
Michel Peters, chief executive officer of Royal NLR, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are pleased to announce this new collaboration with Skunk Works, well known for the development of advanced aircraft and spacecraft. As global geopolitical unrest intensifies, we recognize the importance of working with allied organizations to drive innovation and ensure our national safety and security, as well as that of our allies. This MOU underlines our commitment to collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of advanced defence capabilities.”
