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

Lockheed Martin Demonstrates Cross-Border Autonomy with MDCX and Vigilance Integration

On January 8, 2026, Lockheed Martin successfully completed a live demonstration of its advanced command and control (C2) capabilities at the Predannack National Drone Hub in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The event highlighted the integration of U.S. and U.K. defense technologies, specifically pairing the U.S.-developed Multi-Domain Combat System (MDCX™) with the U.K.-developed Vigilance mission system.

According to the company’s announcement, the demonstration proved that a single operator could simultaneously manage multiple classes of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) within a secure, multi-domain environment. This achievement marks a significant step in coalition interoperability, offering a “suite of capability” designed to be exportable to international allies while maintaining high security standards.

Operational Details and Systems Integration

The demonstration featured a scenario where the MDCX™ autonomy platform commanded two distinct types of drones: the Indago 2 quadcopter (Group 1) and the Stalker fixed-wing UAS (Group 2). While MDCX managed the flight autonomy and mission planning, the Vigilance system handled sensor data fusion.

Lockheed Martin described the technical breakdown of the systems involved:

• MDCX™ (Multi-Domain Combat System): Developed by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, this platform utilizes Open Mission Systems (OMS) and Universal Command & Control Interface (UCI) standards. It allows for the management of heterogeneous vehicles, reducing the cognitive load on human operators.
• Vigilance: Developed by Lockheed Martin UK, this software-defined system evolved from mission systems used on the Royal Navy’s Merlin Mk2 helicopters. During the demo, it fused real-time drone data with synthetic feeds to generate a comprehensive battlefield picture.

In a specific test of mission capability, the Indago 2 drone utilized a Software Defined Radio Payload to re-broadcast sonobuoy data, simulating an anti-submarine warfare mission managed by the integrated systems.

Lockheed Martin successfully completed a live demo of its ‘suite of capability’ for uncrewed system command and control featuring the MDCX™ and Vigilance.

— Lockheed Martin Press Release

AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Implications for Defense Exports

This demonstration addresses a longstanding friction point in international defense acquisitions: the balance between purchasing advanced U.S. platforms and maintaining sovereign control over mission data. By integrating the U.K.-sovereign Vigilance Software with the U.S. MDCX architecture, Lockheed Martin is validating a modular approach to defense sales.

We observe that this “Open Architecture” model aligns with the U.S. Department of Defense’s vision for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). Rather than relying on proprietary, closed-loop systems, the industry is shifting toward modularity that allows allies to plug domestic sensor algorithms into U.S. operating systems.

Furthermore, the specific platforms used in this demonstration, Stalker and Indago, are directly relevant to the British Army’s “TIQUILA” program. Awarded to Lockheed Martin UK in late 2022, the £129 million TIQUILA contract focuses on providing uncrewed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This successful integration suggests a pathway for enhancing those existing assets with advanced autonomy and cross-domain connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the “Marsupial” concept mentioned in related reports?
While this specific demonstration focused on simultaneous control of separate assets, the underlying architecture supports “marsupial” operations, where larger drones launch and recover smaller uncrewed systems. This capability is increasingly relevant for extending the range and survivability of ISR assets in contested environments.

How does this technology handle security between nations?
The system utilizes a Multi-Level Security (MLS) architecture. This design allows data to be shared securely between U.S. and allied networks, overcoming technical barriers that have historically complicated coalition warfare and data sharing.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin

This article is based on official press releases and public reporting from Marshall and Lockheed Martin.

Marshall Cements Status as Global Authority on C-130 Hercules MRO

As of January 2026, Marshall (formerly Marshall Aerospace) has solidified its position as the world’s leading independent authority on the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. With a partnership spanning more than half a century and a recent designation as the only global Center of Excellence for critical structural modifications, the company has become a linchpin in the logistics network of 17 government fleet operators worldwide.

Recent developments from 2024 through late 2025 have seen the company expand its footprint significantly, particularly in North America and the Middle East. By securing major contracts with the Turkish Ministry of National Defence and operationalizing a new facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, Marshall has demonstrated its capacity to support both legacy and Super Hercules fleets with unrivaled technical expertise.

Unrivaled Industry Standing

Marshall’s relationship with the C-130 platform dates back to 1966, shortly after the Royal Air Force (RAF) took delivery of its first aircraft. Over the decades, the company has accrued a unique set of accreditations from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Lockheed Martin.

According to company data, Marshall holds the distinction of being the first authorized Hercules Service Center (HSC) for legacy models and the first Heavy Maintenance Center (HMC) for the modern C-130J Super Hercules. In a landmark achievement in November 2024, Lockheed Martin officially recognized Marshall as the world’s first authorized Center of Excellence for Center Wing Box (CWB) replacements.

“Recognising Marshall as the first Lockheed Martin-approved Centre of Excellence for its work leading the C-130 centre wing box replacement programme is a natural choice… Marshall is a vital part of the C-130 Hercules community.”

, Rod McLean, VP at Lockheed Martin (2024)

Technical Capabilities: “Aerospace Surgery”

Marshall’s capabilities extend well beyond standard maintenance, encompassing complex structural modifications often described as “aerospace surgery.” The most notable of these is the Center Wing Box (CWB) replacement, a procedure likened to spinal surgery for the aircraft.

Center Wing Box Replacements

The CWB is the primary structure connecting the wings to the fuselage. Replacing it is one of the most complex engineering tasks associated with the C-130. Marshall is currently the only organization globally, outside of Lockheed Martin’s own U.S. facilities, authorized to perform these replacements on the C-130J.

Data indicates that as of late 2025, Marshall had completed nearly 80 CWB replacements across both legacy and J-model aircraft. This capability was highlighted when “Fat Albert,” the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ iconic C-130J, returned to Marshall in late 2025 for this specific structural life-extension procedure.

Avionics and Manufacturing

In addition to structural work, Marshall has advanced its avionics modernization programs. Recent projects include bespoke navigation upgrades for the Austrian Air Force, completed in late 2024, and similar integrations for the French Air Force. These upgrades typically involve replacing analog systems with modern Flight Management Systems (FMS) and GPS landing capabilities.

Furthermore, the company holds a unique “authority to manufacture” from Lockheed Martin. To mitigate global supply chain delays, Marshall manufactured over 2,000 parts in 2024 alone, ensuring that maintenance schedules remained on track.

Strategic Expansion (2024–2026)

The last two years have marked a period of aggressive geographic expansion and contract acquisition for Marshall.

North American Growth

In 2025, the company fully operationalized its new maintenance facility in Greensboro, North Carolina. This site was established primarily to service the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) fleet of KC-130J tankers under a 10-year contract originally awarded in 2020. As of July 2025, reports show that Marshall had worked on 42 different USMC aircraft and manufactured over 1,500 parts specifically for that fleet.

New International Contracts

Marshall has also strengthened its presence in Europe and Asia:

• Turkey: In October 2025, the company secured a multi-year contract with the Turkish Ministry of National Defence to support its newly acquired C-130J fleet, covering entry-into-service and sustainment.
• India: Marshall was awarded a contract to perform 12-year heavy maintenance inspections for the Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules fleet.

AirPro News Analysis

The consolidation of C-130 MRO capabilities under Marshall highlights a critical trend in defense logistics: the reliance on specialized independent contractors to extend the life of aging airframes. With the C-130 remaining the “world’s workhorse,” the ability to perform heavy structural modifications like CWB replacements outside of the OEM’s primary facilities is essential for maintaining global fleet readiness. Marshall’s “authority to manufacture” also suggests that decentralized supply chains are becoming a priority for defense contractors seeking to insulate themselves from global logistics disruptions.

Operational Statistics

Marshall’s operational volume reflects its central role in the global defense sector. In 2024, the company completed nearly 30,000 MRO tasks, totaling over 442,000 hours of aircraft work. Through its various life-extension programs, Marshall estimates it has added over 1,600 collective years to the lifespan of the global C-130 fleet.

“Our unique approvals allow us to de-risk maintenance and ensure predictable turnaround times for military operators.”

, Gareth Williams, COO at Marshall

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Center Wing Box (CWB) replacement?
The CWB is the structural core connecting the wings to the fuselage. Replacing it is a major structural repair that significantly extends the operational life of the aircraft. Marshall is the only independent facility authorized to perform this on the C-130J.

Which air forces does Marshall support?
Marshall supports 17 government fleet operators, including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy (Blue Angels), UK Royal Air Force (historically), and air forces from Austria, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, India, Turkey, and Bangladesh.

Where are Marshall’s facilities located?
Marshall is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, and recently operationalized a major facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, to support North American customers.

Sources: Marshall Group

GE Aerospace Secures $1.4 Billion Navy Contracts for CH-53K Engines

The U.S. Navy has awarded GE Aerospace a significant contract modification valued at approximately $1.42 billion to produce engines for the Marine Corps’ CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift Helicopters fleet. As reported by ClearanceJobs, this award solidifies the production pipeline for the T408 turboshaft engine, a critical component of the military’s most powerful helicopter program.

The deal, announced by the Department of Defense on January 8, 2026, represents a major commitment to the long-term stability of the CH-53K program. It covers the production of 277 T408-GE-400 engines, ensuring that the Marine Corps has the Propulsion systems necessary as the aircraft prepares for its first operational deployment later this year.

According to official contract data released by the Pentagon, the work will be performed exclusively at GE Aerospace’s facility in Lynn, Massachusetts, with completion expected by September 2032. This multi-year agreement underscores the strategic importance of the King Stallion in future expeditionary operations.

Contract Breakdown and Scope

This modification (P00003) attaches to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001924C0019). It definitizes production for Lots 9 and 10 while adding scope for Lots 11, 12, and 13. In defense procurement, securing five consecutive production lots signals a move toward “Full-Rate Production,” moving the program past its initial low-rate Manufacturing phases.

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is the contracting activity. Funding for the award is substantial, with immediate obligations including:

• $219.6 million from Fiscal 2026 aircraft procurement funds.
• $277.8 million from Fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement funds.

With the CH-53K requiring three engines per airframe, the order of 277 engines supports the production of roughly 90 helicopters, accounting for necessary spares. This covers a significant portion of the Marine Corps’ total program of record, which aims for 200 aircraft to replace the aging CH-53E Super Stallion.

Powering the King Stallion: The T408 Engine

The T408-GE-400 engine represents a generational leap in rotorcraft propulsion technology. Designed specifically for the heavy-lift mission profile of the CH-53K, the engine offers dramatic improvements over the legacy T64 engine used in the Super Stallion.

According to GE Aerospace technical specifications, the T408 delivers 7,500 shaft horsepower per engine. This results in 57% more power than its predecessor. Furthermore, the engine is designed for the harsh marine environments where the Marine Corps operates, utilizing corrosion-resistant materials to withstand saltwater and sand.

“The T408 offers 18% better specific fuel consumption… and is constructed with 63% fewer parts.”

, GE Aerospace Program Data

These efficiency gains allow the CH-53K to carry an external load of 36,000 pounds, triple the capacity of the CH-53E in high-altitude and hot-temperature conditions, while extending the aircraft’s mission radius.

AirPro News Analysis

This contract award arrives at a pivotal moment for both the U.S. Marine Corps and GE Aerospace. For the Marine Corps, the timing is critical. With the first fleet deployment of the CH-53K delayed to 2026, securing a stable engine supply chain through 2032 mitigates the risk of future logistical bottlenecks. The “block buy” nature of Lots 9 through 13 suggests the Navy is confident in the platform’s maturity and is locking in pricing and production slots before inflation or supply chain constraints can impact costs further.

For GE Aerospace, this $1.4 billion award reinforces its standing as a standalone defense prime following its 2024 spin-off from General Electric. The company has invested nearly $1 billion in its U.S. manufacturing sites, including the Lynn, Massachusetts facility. This contract guarantees a decade of workload for the Lynn workforce, a historic hub for jet engine manufacturing, and validates the company’s Strategy of balancing commercial engine demand with steady defense sustainment contracts.

Program Timeline and Future Operations

The CH-53K King Stallion achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in April 2022 and was approved for Full-Rate Production in December 2022. While the program has faced schedule adjustments, including the shift of its first deployment to 2026, the aircraft is on track to reach Full Operational Capability (FOC) by 2029.

As reported by ClearanceJobs, the contract modification ensures that as the airframes roll off the assembly line, the propulsion systems will be ready to meet them. The T408 engines are integral to the Marine Corps’ “Force Design 2030” strategy, which emphasizes dispersed operations and heavy logistics support in contested maritime environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of the contract?
The contract modification is valued at $1,421,446,110.

Where will the engines be built?
All work will be performed at GE Aerospace’s facility in Lynn, Massachusetts.

When is the work expected to be finished?
The contract specifies a completion date of September 2032.

How many engines are included?
The deal covers the production of 277 T408-GE-400 turboshaft engines.

Sources: ClearanceJobs, Department of Defense, GE Aerospace