Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, NLR expand strategic collaboration

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and The Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) have announced a broadening of their strategic partnership into a high-impact collaboration, transitioning advanced technologies from the research lab into operational solutions that support the mission readiness of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

Skunk Works has a more than 80-year history of developing aerospace systems and continues to deliver solutions globally for America and allied nations. Skunk Works’ focus on innovation aligns with NLR’s mission of making aerospace technology more sustainable, safer, more efficient and more effective, according to a press release.

“We believe that modern aerospace development relies on global integration rather than isolation, making cross-border partnerships essential to deliver systems that no single nation can build alone,” said Tineke van der Veen, CEO at Royal NLR. “Referring to the Dutch Defence White Paper 2026, NATO is the cornerstone of our defense, with the United States as our most important ally. Together with Skunk Works, we’re committed to cooperate to solve the highest priorities of the air force for the challenges ahead of us.”

The next phase of cooperation aims to focus on connectivity to the Dutch industrial base, coordination on military operational analysis, alignment on technology roadmaps, and collaboration on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), the press release said.

“Lockheed Martin is excited about continued partnership with NLR through expansion of this MOU,” said Ron Fehlen, vice president and general manager of Skunk Works. “We have matured specific projects with cutting-edge technologies, such as Thermoplastics, and through our continued collaboration, we will develop new solutions to address pressing aerospace and defense challenges.”