This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin Partners with Hadrian to Deploy “Factory-as-a-Service” for Missile Production

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has announced a strategic collaboration with manufacturing technology company Hadrian to integrate advanced automated production capabilities directly into its supply chain. According to a press release issued on December 8, 2025, the two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deploy Hadrian’s “Factory-as-a-Service” model within a Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) facility.

The partnership aims to accelerate the production of critical defense munitions, specifically targeting high-demand systems such as the PAC-3 MSE (Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement), THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), PrSM (Precision Strike Missile), and GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System). By embedding Hadrian’s software-defined manufacturing cells directly into Lockheed Martin’s operations, the defense giant seeks to overcome supply chain bottlenecks and meet surging global demand.

The “Factory-as-a-Service” Model

This collaboration represents a departure from traditional defense procurement, where prime contractors typically outsource component manufacturing to external machine shops. Instead, Lockheed Martin is effectively “insourcing” Hadrian’s autonomous manufacturing capabilities.

According to the announcement, Hadrian will install a scalable, automated manufacturing cell at the customer’s site. This cell includes Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines and robotics, all governed by Hadrian’s proprietary operating system, “Opus.”

Software-Defined Efficiency

The core of this innovation is the Opus software, which automates the end-to-end manufacturing workflow. Hadrian claims this system manages everything from quoting and scheduling to tool path generation and quality inspection. Data provided in the accompanying research report indicates that this approach allows for the production of precision parts up to 10 times faster and 40% more efficiently than legacy machine shops.

Tom Carrubba, Vice President of Production Operations at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, emphasized the operational impact of this technology in the company’s statement:

“This project is a key enabler for Lockheed Martin to increase production output capacity, ensuring we can meet the high demand for our customers’ munitions needs.”

Meeting Urgent Production Targets

The integration of Hadrian’s technology comes as Lockheed Martin faces significant pressure to ramp up production rates for key weapon systems. The company is currently executing a plan to increase PAC-3 MSE production to 650 missiles per year by 2027, up from approximately 500 in 2024. Similarly, production for the GMLRS is being pushed toward a target of 14,000 rockets annually.

Chris Power, CEO of Hadrian, framed the partnership as a critical step in revitalizing the American industrial base. Power, who founded Hadrian in 2020 to address supply chain fragility, stated:

“America cannot afford to lose another generation of industrial capacity… We’re building the factories that will secure American leadership.”

The automated cells are designed to handle approximately 80-90% of manual tasks, such as machine programming and part inspection. This automation is intended to mitigate workforce shortages, specifically the lack of skilled machinists, that have historically constrained the U.S. defense industrial base.

AirPro News Analysis

We view this collaboration as a significant indicator of the evolving relationship between traditional “Prime” contractors and the emerging “defense tech” sector. Historically, large defense firms have been slow to modernize legacy manufacturing processes. However, Lockheed Martin’s “1LMX” digital transformation initiative suggests a strategic pivot toward software-defined manufacturing.

By adopting a “Factory-as-a-Service” model, Lockheed Martin is acknowledging that software expertise is as critical to modern warfare logistics as the hardware itself. If successful, this model could set a precedent for how major defense contractors manage their supply chains, moving away from fragmented networks of small suppliers toward centralized, automated production hubs embedded within their own facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Factory-as-a-Service” model?
It is a business model where a technology provider (Hadrian) installs and manages a self-contained, automated manufacturing cell inside a client’s facility (Lockheed Martin), rather than the client buying the machines or outsourcing the work entirely.

Which weapons systems will benefit from this deal?
The collaboration is focused on increasing production for the PAC-3 MSE, THAAD, PrSM, and GMLRS systems.

Who is Hadrian?
Hadrian is a manufacturing technology startup founded in 2020. The company recently raised $260 million in Series C funding in July 2025 and is backed by investors including Founders Fund and Andreessen Horowitz.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.

GE Aerospace Launches “Mission Ready” Initiative with $1 Billion Investment Plan

GE Aerospace has officially unveiled “Mission Ready,” a comprehensive strategic initiative designed to modernize the U.S. defense industrial base and address critical labor shortages in the Manufacturing sector. According to the company’s announcement, the plan includes a commitment to Investments nearly $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing facilities in 2025, alongside a dedicated $30 million fund to develop skilled workers over the next five years.

The initiative comes at a pivotal moment for the aerospace industry, which faces the dual challenge of ramping up production for next-generation military programs while managing a fragile Supply-Chain. By combining capital investment with aggressive workforce development, GE Aerospace aims to stabilize production rates for key assets, including the T901 and XA100 engines.

In a statement regarding the launch, the company emphasized the human element of national defense:

“The strength of our national security is our people, dedicated service members and civilians as well as highly skilled men and women in defense-supporting roles.”

— GE Aerospace Press Release

Workforce Development: A $30 Million Commitment

A central pillar of the “Mission Ready” campaign is addressing the widening skills gap in American manufacturing. Citing data from the National Association of Manufacturers and Deloitte, which projects that 3.8 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled by 2033, GE Aerospace has outlined a multi-pronged approach to talent acquisition.

Training 10,000 New Workers

The GE Aerospace Foundation has pledged $30 million through 2030 to support the training of 10,000 new skilled workers. This funding is directed toward manufacturing training programs, apprenticeships, and Partnerships with technical colleges. The goal is to build a robust pipeline of welders, machinists, and technicians essential for maintaining production schedules.

Veterans and Education

As part of this workforce push, the company announced a $500,000 commitment to the Manufacturing Institute’s “Heroes MAKE America” initiative. This program assists military veterans in transitioning their technical aptitude and discipline into civilian manufacturing careers. Additionally, GE has partnered with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute to launch a scholarship program for students pursuing degrees and certifications in engineering and manufacturing.

Strengthening the Industrial Base

Beyond workforce development, GE Aerospace is deploying significant capital to expand physical capacity. Following a $650 million investment in 2024, the company plans to invest approximately $1 billion across its U.S. manufacturing footprint in 2025.

Targeted Facility Investments

According to the release, specific allocations include approximately $200 million for facilities in Lynn, Massachusetts, and Madisonville, Kentucky. These funds are intended to ramp up production for Military-Aircraft engines, specifically the T901. Furthermore, over $100 million is earmarked for strengthening the external supplier base, providing smaller vendors with the resources to upgrade tooling and prevent supply chain bottlenecks.

Program Milestones

The “Mission Ready” initiative supports several critical defense programs that have recently reached key milestones:

• T901 Improved Turbine Engine: Successful initial ground runs were completed on a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in early 2025. The engine promises 50% more power and 25% better fuel efficiency than the legacy T700.
• XA100 Adaptive Cycle Engine: This contender for the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program completed its fourth round of testing in early 2025, demonstrating significant range and thermal management improvements for sixth-generation fighters.
• F414 Engine: GE is finalizing plans to commence domestic production of F414 engines in India by late 2025, a move designed to strengthen the U.S.-India strategic partnership.

AirPro News Analysis

The “Mission Ready” initiative represents a shift from “just-in-time” efficiency to “just-in-case” resilience. The explicit allocation of $100 million to the external supply chain is particularly notable. In recent years, prime contractors have faced delays not due to their own assembly lines, but due to sub-tier vendors lacking the capital to modernize. By directly funding supplier resilience and training the workforce that those suppliers will eventually need to hire, GE Aerospace is attempting to insulate its production lines from the systemic vulnerabilities identified in the DoD’s 2025 National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan.

Operational Excellence via FLIGHT DECK

Underpinning these financial investments is the deployment of “FLIGHT DECK,” GE Aerospace’s proprietary lean operating model. The system prioritizes Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) to standardize work and visualize bottlenecks.

According to company reports, this model has already reduced lead times for critical commercial parts by over 50% on the CFM LEAP line. The company is now applying these same principles to defense programs like the T901 to ensure that the rapid production ramp-up maintains the rigorous quality standards required for combat equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total value of the “Mission Ready” investment?
GE Aerospace plans to invest nearly $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing in 2025, alongside a $30 million workforce development fund to be deployed through 2030.

How many workers does GE aim to train?
The initiative aims to train 10,000 new skilled workers, including machinists, welders, and technicians, over the next five years.

Which military engines are prioritized in this expansion?
Investments are specifically targeting the production ramp-up of the T901 Improved Turbine Engine and the XA100 Adaptive Cycle Engine, as well as support for the F414 and F110 programs.

Sources: GE Aerospace

This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Embassy in Argentina and additional data on the acquisition agreement.

Argentina Restores Supersonic Capability with Arrival of First F-16 Fighter Jets

On December 6, 2025, the Argentine Air Force officially welcomed its first batch of F-16 Fighting Falcons, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s defense modernization efforts. According to an official statement from the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, the arrival of these aircraft signifies a deepening of diplomatic and military ties between Buenos Aires and Washington, while simultaneously restoring a supersonic air intercept capability that Argentina has lacked for a decade.

The ceremony, held at the Río Cuarto Material Area in Córdoba, was led by Argentine President Javier Milei and Defense Minister Luis Petri, alongside U.S. Ambassador Peter Lamelas. The event celebrated the delivery of the first six jets out of a total fleet of 24 purchased from the Royal Danish Air Force, a transaction heavily supported by the United States government.

We view this acquisition not merely as a hardware update, but as a significant geopolitical realignment for Argentina. By integrating U.S.-manufactured platforms, the nation is explicitly pivoting its defense infrastructure toward NATO standards and away from non-Western alternatives.

Operational Details and Fleet Composition

The aircraft that touched down in Córdoba are F-16 A/B Block 15 MLU (Mid-Life Update) models. These jets are part of a broader agreement to replace the capability gap left by the retirement of the Mirage fleet in 2015. While the initial reception took place in Río Cuarto, defense reports indicate the fleet will eventually be garrisoned at the Tandil airbase.

In his address during the ceremony, President Milei highlighted the psychological and strategic impact of the arrival:

“After a long wait, I finally have behind me the first six F-16 fighter jets… Thanks to this significant investment, we will considerably strengthen our air force. Hundreds of thousands of Argentines were able to look up and see their guardian angels in the sky for the first time.”

, President Javier Milei

The U.S. Embassy emphasized the interoperability benefits of the platform. In their official release, they stated:

“The arrival of the F-16s strengthens Argentina’s air-defense capabilities and supports operations coordination with the United States and other NATO partners, reflecting a long-term commitment to cooperation.”

, U.S. Embassy in Argentina

Deal Structure and Financial Breakdown

The acquisition is a complex, multi-party agreement involving Denmark, the United States, and Argentina. Based on available data regarding the deal structure, the total package involves both the airframes and a substantial weapons and support suite.

Cost Estimates and Funding

According to defense sector reports, the financial framework is broken down as follows:

• Aircraft Purchase: The 24 airframes from Denmark are valued between $300 million and $340 million.
• Weapons & Support: The U.S. State Department has approved a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) package with a potential ceiling of $941 million. This includes logistics, training, and munitions.
• U.S. Assistance: To facilitate the acquisition, the U.S. provided a $40 million Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant to assist with the initial payments.

Weapons Package

The operational effectiveness of these jets relies on the accompanying U.S. weapons package. Reports confirm the approval includes:

• 36 AIM-120 C-8 AMRAAM missiles (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile).
• 102 MK-82 500lb general-purpose bombs.
• 50 GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb kits.

Following this initial delivery of six aircraft, the remaining 18 jets are scheduled to arrive in annual batches through 2028.

Strategic Context: The Geopolitical Pivot

This delivery concludes a long period of speculation regarding Argentina’s choice of next-generation fighter. The previous administration had evaluated the JF-17 Thunder, a platform jointly developed by China and Pakistan. However, the Milei administration discarded that option, opting instead for the F-16.

Regional analysts suggest this decision has wider implications than simple air defense. Andrei Serbin Pont, Director of CRIES, noted in reports that choosing the F-16 prevents a geopolitical imbalance and grants Argentina access to a “massive global logistics network,” ensuring long-term operability that the more isolated Chinese system could not guarantee.

Furthermore, Rick Fisher, a Senior Fellow at the International Assessment and Strategy Center, observed that a Chinese sale would have granted Beijing entry into Argentina’s defense infrastructure. The successful F-16 transfer effectively denies this foothold near the strategic Strait of Magellan.

AirPro News Analysis

The End of the “British Veto” Era

For decades, Argentina’s attempts to modernize its air force, considering options like the Swedish Gripen or Korean FA-50, were reportedly stalled by diplomatic pressure and export restrictions from the United Kingdom regarding British-made components (such as ejection seats). The successful delivery of the F-16s demonstrates that full U.S. diplomatic backing was the necessary catalyst to bypass these historical hurdles.

By securing this deal, Washington has not only strengthened a regional partner but has also solidified the “Western alignment” of the Southern Cone’s defense architecture for the next 20 to 30 years. The logistical tail of the F-16 ensures that Argentina’s Air Force will remain tightly coupled with U.S. supply chains, making a future pivot back to non-Western suppliers prohibitively expensive and operationally difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many jets did Argentina buy?
Argentina purchased a total of 24 operational F-16 jets, plus one block intended for training purposes.

When will the rest of the fleet arrive?
Following the December 2025 delivery of the first six jets, the remaining aircraft are scheduled to arrive in batches annually between 2026 and 2028.

What happened to the Chinese offer?
The offer for the JF-17 Thunder was rejected by the current administration in favor of the F-16 to ensure compatibility with NATO standards and strengthen ties with the United States.

Sources

• U.S. Embassy in Argentina