Skunk Works and FalconWorks Unite to Develop Next-Generation Autonomous Air Systems
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® and BAE Systems FalconWorks have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at shaping the future of autonomous air systems. The announcement was made at the prestigious Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) conference in the United Kingdom, one of the most significant global gatherings for defense innovation and strategic cooperation.
This collaboration brings together two of the world’s most advanced research and development divisions—Lockheed Martin’s iconic Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ newly established FalconWorks. Both units have a strong reputation for pioneering cutting-edge aerospace technologies, and now they are aligning their expertise to develop uncrewed, highly adaptable, and modular air platforms that can be rapidly deployed across multiple environments.
Pioneering the Next Era of Uncrewed Systems
The joint effort will focus on creating a common system design capable of delivering a wide range of operational effects, with a particular emphasis on electronic warfare and offensive attack capabilities. By leveraging advanced prototyping, agile design, and next-generation manufacturing processes, the goal is to produce a platform that is both cost-effective and scalable—attributes increasingly critical for modern defense forces.
The initial phase of the project will prioritize building an electronic warfare and strike platform that can operate alongside existing crewed combat aircraft. These uncrewed systems will be designed not only to deliver disruptive effects in contested environments but also to enhance the survivability of manned platforms by absorbing risk and diversifying operational tactics.
A key strength of the concept lies in its modularity. The system will be adaptable to different mission types and offer multiple launch methods. These include deployment from traditional ground-based platforms, air-drops from existing aircraft, launches from maritime vessels, and even deployment from large logistic aircraft. This flexibility ensures that forces can employ the system across multiple theaters of operation without requiring new infrastructure.
Responding to an Evolving Battlespace
The announcement comes at a critical juncture for global defense. Modern militaries are facing rapidly evolving threats that demand quicker development cycles and cost-effective solutions. Nations are increasingly recognizing the importance of combining crewed and uncrewed assets to generate what is often referred to as “combat mass”—the ability to field sufficient numbers of systems to overwhelm adversaries while minimizing risks to human pilots.
In contested environments where air superiority is challenged, uncrewed systems provide a powerful force multiplier. By integrating these modular systems alongside advanced fighter jets and surveillance aircraft, air forces can increase resilience, extend operational reach, and reduce dependency on costly single platforms.
Industry Leaders on the Partnership
OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, emphasized the potential of this collaboration:
“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, echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for innovation at speed:
“Through our collaboration with Lockheed Martin, 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.”
About the Partners
Lockheed Martin is one of the world’s leading defense and aerospace companies, with a legacy of groundbreaking developments in aviation, space exploration, and defense technologies. The company’s Skunk Works division is legendary for producing revolutionary aircraft, from the U-2 spy plane and SR-71 Blackbird to the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter. Today, Skunk Works continues to lead in shaping next-generation solutions, aligning with Lockheed Martin’s 21st Century Security® vision to deliver transformative, all-domain mission systems that keep allies ahead of emerging threats.
BAE Systems, headquartered in the UK, is another global defense giant. Its FalconWorks division was created to drive innovation in advanced air technologies, building on decades of expertise in military aviation and systems integration. FalconWorks is positioned as a forward-looking research and development hub dedicated to creating future-ready platforms that respond to evolving operational challenges.
A Vision for the Future
The partnership between Skunk Works and FalconWorks represents more than just a collaboration between two companies; it signals a broader shift in how modern defense capabilities will be designed and deployed. By pooling expertise, resources, and innovative thinking, the two organizations aim to accelerate development cycles that have historically taken decades and deliver operationally relevant capabilities in far shorter timeframes.
For defense customers, this means access to affordable, flexible, and combat-ready systems that can be integrated into current fleets without waiting for entirely new aircraft generations to emerge. For the industry, it sets a new standard of collaboration where speed, adaptability, and affordability are prioritized alongside technological excellence.
As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape military priorities, the need for scalable, uncrewed, and modular systems is only expected to grow. The Skunk Works–FalconWorks partnership is poised to meet this demand, offering solutions that balance cutting-edge innovation with practical deployment.
