Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works and the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) are expanding their strategic partnership to support Royal Netherlands Air Force mission readiness and future unmanned aerial systems. The cooperation will connect Dutch defence companies with international supply chains, coordinate military operational analysis and align technology road maps. The partners announced the expanded framework in Washington during NL-US Defense Industry Days.
The relationship began two years ago under an exploratory memorandum of understanding and has since developed into a broader collaboration involving structured research and development activities. Joint frameworks, workshops and specialist working groups have been established to coordinate work between the organisations.
Several technology projects have matured during the initial phase, including cooperation involving thermoplastics. Skunk Works Vice President and General Manager Ron Fehlen said the expanded memorandum would continue development of such technologies while addressing aerospace and defence challenges.
The next phase is intended to link Dutch operational requirements more closely with technology development and increase the participation of the Dutch defence industrial base in international supply chains. It also establishes a basis for further work on unmanned aerial systems, although the partners disclosed no specific aircraft or programme, procurement commitment, contract value or delivery schedule.