From Seaplanes to AI – How Lockheed Martin Transformed Defense and Aerospace

Everything we do is driven by our commitment to deliver on our customers’ critical missions and to protect what matters most.

In 1912, when Glenn L. Martin and Allan and Malcolm Loughead (later Lockheed) founded their separate aviation companies, they couldn’t have envisioned that over a century later, their merged creation—Lockheed Martin—would be at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) and defense innovation. As one of the largest aerospace and defense contractors globally, Lockheed Martin has continuously evolved, from producing biplanes to becoming a leader in cutting-edge technology across air, space, sea, and cyber domains. In recent years, this evolution has taken on a new dimension with the rise of AI, making Lockheed Martin one of the pioneers in integrating AI and generative AI into defense, aerospace, and national security.

“We leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to enable our warfighters to make data-driven decisions quickly, efficiently and effectively. Everything we do is driven by our commitment to deliver on our customers’ critical missions and to protect what matters most.” says Jim Taiclet, CEO at Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin’s latest push into AI began with a clear realization: technology alone wasn’t enough to stay ahead of global security threats. The company needed to become faster, more efficient, and more adaptive. By 2024, Lockheed Martin had launched a series of bold initiatives aimed at weaving AI into the fabric of its operations, from advanced manufacturing to cybersecurity, with the ultimate goal of reshaping how defense contractors operate in an era of digital transformation.

Navigating the Complexities of National Security

The Lockheed Martin Text Navigator (LMText Navigator) is a testament to this vision. Developed as an in-house generative AI tool, LMText Navigator was designed to address two pressing needs: increasing operational efficiency across the company’s vast workforce and safeguarding highly classified data. At its core, LMText Navigator helps engineers and teams automate processes like data analysis, software generation, and project management, all while ensuring that proprietary and sensitive information remains secure. Lockheed Martin’s LMText Navigator platform, powered by NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD AI infrastructure, enhances enterprise efficiency by scaling code generation, analyzing data, and streamlining business processes for robust performance and scalability.

But this is just one component of Lockheed Martin’s AI ecosystem. The company’s AI transformation is far more expansive, touching every part of its operations. One of the key drivers behind these advancements is Lockheed Martin’s AI Factory—a platform where AI applications can be developed and deployed at scale across a range of environments, from centralized servers to edge devices operating in mission-critical locations.

Through the AI Factory, Lockheed Martin’s engineers have a powerful infrastructure that allows them to build, test, and refine AI models at unprecedented speed. Greg Forrest, Director of AI Foundations at Lockheed Martin, described the initiative as “pushing the frontiers of AI solutions not just for today’s challenges but for the next generation of warfare and aerospace innovation.”

The AI Factory isn’t a theoretical concept—by 2024, it was in active use by over 8,000 engineers and developers within Lockheed Martin, accelerating the development of AI applications across defense systems, aircraft maintenance, and space missions.

Shaping AI-Driven Defense

At the heart of Lockheed Martin’s AI revolution is the Skunk Works® division, a legendary part of their business that has been responsible for some of the most groundbreaking technological advancements in defense history. Skunk Works® is now focused on integrating AI into autonomous systems, advanced analytics, and multi-domain solutions. This push towards autonomy is critical in creating a more efficient and safer combat environment, utilizing machine learning algorithms to detect threats and suggest defensive or offensive actions.

One example of this AI integration is the Athena Laser Weapon System, a powerful prototype that uses AI to enhance targeting accuracy. In testing, Athena has proven capable of tracking and neutralizing enemy threats with extreme precision, relying on AI’s ability to process data faster and more accurately than humans. 

AI-Enabled Content Strategy and Communication

But AI’s impact at Lockheed Martin isn’t confined to defense. Recognizing the power of AI in shaping their narrative, Lockheed Martin has overhauled its content strategy, using AI to tailor and distribute messages to various audiences more effectively. In a world where communication plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception, Lockheed has tapped into generative AI and machine learning models to analyze vast amounts of data and predict audience interests and behaviors.

Their AI-powered content strategy allows them to produce highly targeted content that resonates with different segments—whether addressing global stakeholders, internal teams, or the broader public. Lockheed’s AI tools analyze real-time data from social platforms, public feedback, and industry trends, adjusting their messaging to ensure relevance and impact. They’ve leveraged Natural Language Processing (NLP) to create communications that not only meet audience expectations but also predict shifts in the market sentiment before they occur.

Lockheed Martin has also adopted AI-powered visual content creation tools to design and distribute captivating visuals that support their global brand initiatives. From product demonstrations to detailed simulations of defense technologies, these visuals help communicate complex technical concepts in a way that is both informative and engaging.

The Lockheed Martin AI Center (LAIC)

Complementing the AI Factory is the Lockheed Martin AI Center (LAIC), another critical piece in the company’s AI puzzle. LAIC acts as the hub for scaling and operationalizing AI solutions. While the AI Factory is where models are built and tested, LAIC ensures that those models make their way into real-world applications.

AI solutions developed by LAIC span a wide range of use cases, including autonomous navigation, predictive maintenance, and cyber defense. For instance, LAIC has played a pivotal role in advancing AI-driven aircraft inspections, enabling faster, more accurate maintenance for military and civilian aircraft. By integrating AI into these processes, Lockheed Martin has significantly reduced costs, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced safety standards.

What sets LAIC apart is its ability to connect defense experts with AI researchers, fostering an environment where cutting-edge AI technologies are shaped by real-world military and aerospace needs. Michael Harasimowicz, director of AI Innovations at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the importance of AI enabling technologies for the U.S. Army’s decision advantage. He envisions future missions where a Black Hawk helicopter communicates with launched effects and uncrewed ground vehicles for advanced battlefield awareness. An interesting aspect not previously mentioned is Lockheed Martin’s focus on the “Air-Ground Littoral” – the space primarily occupied by ground forces, supporting helicopters, and launched effects, ranging from ground level up to a few thousand feet of altitude

Lockheed Martin’s exploration into Generative AI is opening up new possibilities in simulation, design, and predictive modeling. They are not only using Generative AI to enhance their defense technologies but also to streamline operations in ways previously unimaginable. Mike Baylor, Vice President of AI at Lockheed Martin, emphasized, “Generative AI is allowing us to create more sophisticated defense systems with fewer resources. It’s not just about making our processes faster, but smarter. We’re designing systems that learn from data, adapt to new threats, and continuously improve in real-time.”

Baylor’s vision for Generative AI is centered around automating design processes in both aerospace and defense systems, allowing Lockheed Martin to stay ahead of global competitors by rapidly prototyping and deploying technologies. For instance, they have used Generative AI to create simulations that predict potential threats and suggest optimal defense strategies, cutting down timeframes that traditionally took years of research and development.

Moreover, this technology is also being used in the development of AI-driven cybersecurity systems that can anticipate and adapt to evolving cyber threats, ensuring both military and civilian infrastructures remain secure. Baylor believes that the integration of Generative AI will continue to reshape not only how Lockheed Martin designs defense systems but also how they collaborate with their partners and stakeholders globally.

The DARPA AIR Program

While much of Lockheed Martin’s AI innovation happens internally, some of its most groundbreaking work is done in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense and other military agencies. One such partnership is with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on the AIR Program. Lockheed Martin was awarded a $4.6 million contract to develop AI systems for beyond visual range (BVR) multi-ship missions. This project aims to revolutionize how AI can support human operators in real-time military operations.

Central to the AIR Program are surrogate models, advanced AI systems that simulate the behavior of aircraft, weapons, and sensors. These models are designed to improve decision-making and response times, which are critical in high-stakes, mission-critical environments where split-second decisions can mean the difference between success and failure.

Gaylia Campbell, Vice President of Engineering and Technology for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, described the initiative as “The DARPA AIR program will use state-of-the-art scientific ML technology and Lockheed Martin’s ARISE infrastructure to deliver unprecedented amounts of data that service members can use to make faster and more informed decisions”

Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming and EDGE Demonstrations

One of the most exciting developments in Lockheed Martin’s AI journey is its work on crewed-uncrewed teaming, a concept that involves humans working seamlessly with autonomous systems. During the 2024 EDGE Demonstration—an annual event where the U.S. Army tests new technologies—Lockheed Martin demonstrated how AI-enabled uncrewed systems could collaborate with human operators to complete complex missions.

At the heart of this initiative is the idea that AI isn’t here to replace humans, but to enhance their capabilities, especially in high-risk environments like combat. Dan Morrison, AI Systems Engineer Principal at Lockheed Martin said, “Our experimentation is refining autonomous, collaborative behaviors and proving out AI/ML systems in a realistic and challenging environment. Ultimately, this will further enable commanders to better integrate humans and machines in formation and offer increased standoff and reduced workload for Soldiers.”

T-TAURI and Spacecraft Telemetry

Lockheed Martin’s AI capabilities extend far beyond Earth’s surface. The company has been using AI in space for years, leveraging its T-TAURI platform to monitor spacecraft telemetry and ensure the smooth operation of its space assets. T-TAURI uses machine learning to predict potential system failures, allowing Lockheed Martin to address issues before they become critical.

As Lockheed Martin’s space portfolio continues to grow, AI will play an increasingly important role in managing these operations. From predicting satellite failures to optimizing orbital pathways, the company’s AI-driven approach to space management is helping extend the life and utility of its space-based assets.

Empowering Employees Through AI

Lockheed Martin’s adoption of AI extends beyond its defense systems and content strategy—it’s also changing the way the company’s workforce operates. Lockheed has invested heavily in upskilling its employees, ensuring that its workforce is prepared to collaborate with AI technologies. Lockheed’s leadership has emphasized the importance of AI literacy across all departments, from engineering to marketing. Employees are trained to leverage AI tools that augment their daily operations, improving productivity and decision-making.

For instance, engineers are now using AI algorithms to design more efficient aircraft, reducing the time spent on manual calculations and testing. Meanwhile, project managers rely on AI analytics to predict project timelines and identify potential risks, allowing them to make more informed decisions faster.

Sustainability and AI-Driven Climate Solutions

Beyond defense, Lockheed Martin is also utilizing AI to tackle climate change and sustainability. AI-driven systems at Lockheed analyze environmental data to predict climate patterns, offering solutions to mitigate risks posed by natural disasters and global warming. Their commitment to sustainability includes using AI to reduce the carbon footprint of their operations and develop environmentally friendly aerospace technologies. Lockheed has partnered with climate tech organizations to share AI models that enhance precision agriculture, forest management, and disaster response. AI-powered satellite systems are being used to monitor environmental changes in real-time. These satellites gather and interpret data on deforestation, sea-level rise, and shifting weather patterns, allowing governments and organizations to make more informed decisions to combat climate change.

AI and the Next Generation of Defense

Lockheed Martin shows no signs of slowing down its AI investments. Steven Walker, the company’s VP and Chief Technology Officer, highlighted AI’s growing role within the company, stating, “At Lockheed Martin, our AI capabilities are designed to help customers complete their missions with greater speed, accuracy and safety. Across the corporation, we’ve invested heavily in AI – not only in the tools that build AI but in specific capabilities across all domains. We offer an open AI platform that others can build on so that our service members can have the capabilities they need when and where they need it most.”

As the company moves forward, it’s clear that Lockheed Martin’s century-old mission—advancing global security—remains unchanged. But the tools it uses to achieve that mission are evolving, and AI stands at the forefront of that evolution. From autonomous drones to AI-powered spacecraft, Lockheed Martin is driving the future of defense, aerospace, and space exploration, just as it has done for over a hundred years.

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Picture of Anshika Mathews
Anshika Mathews
Anshika is the Senior Content Strategist for AIM Research. She holds a keen interest in technology and related policy-making and its impact on society. She can be reached at anshika.mathews@aimresearch.co
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