Skunk Works, the renowned advanced development organisation within Lockheed Martin Corporation, and the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), a premier knowledge institute and connecting link among science, industry, and government in the Netherlands, announced a strategic collaboration to advance mutual interests for enhanced security during the 2024 US-NL Industry Days event, held at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Washington, DC, on 17-18 October.
The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to guide co-operation in key areas such as European strategic autonomy, military operational analysis, technology roadmaps and increased connectivity to the Dutch industrial base. The project aims to strengthen the defence priorities of the United States, the Netherlands and their allies.
Skunk Works has an 80-year history of developing ground-breaking aerospace systems and continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions at Lockheed Martin.
“Skunk Works’ visionary focus on innovation aligns with NLR’s mission of making aerospace technology more sustainable, safer, more efficient, and more effective,” Lockheed Martin stated in a press release.
“Lockheed Martin has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Dutch government and industry,” Atherton Carty, vice president of business development at Skunk Works, was quoted as saying. “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 NLR added, “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 recognise the importance of working with allied organisations 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.”
