The hardest-working metal parts in the world (landing gear, hypersonic leading edges, undersea actuators, high-performance brakes) share a common weakness: their surfaces. For decades, the fix has been the same: add something on top. Paint, plating, thermal spray, PVD. Every one of those is a coatin

Lockheed Martin is expanding its venture capital fund from $400 million to approximately $1 billion to accelerate technology development for national security applications. The company plans to use the additional capital to mature technologies and transition them from research and development into operational use. Lockheed Martin Ventures, established in 2007 with $100 million, has invested roughly $500 million in 120 companies to date. Around 60 of these firms have become suppliers, receiving $750 million in contracts from Lockheed. The fund focuses on quantum computing, autonomy, artificial intelligence, directed energy, advanced materials and computer chips. Chief financial officer Evan Scott said the investments help create a pipeline of cutting-edge technologies for national security whilst building a resilient industrial base.

Lockheed Martin's outlook has improved following President Donald Trump's proposed $2.2 trillion defence budget, which includes procurement of 85 new F-35 aircraft as part of a $1.5 trillion defence framework for fiscal year 2027. The proposal eases concerns about potential cutbacks in F-35 purchases, supporting the company's largest franchise whilst it maintains a record $194 billion backlog. The stable F-35 revenue outlook reduces the risk of shortfalls against Lockheed's 2026 revenue guidance of $77.5 billion to $80 billion. Meanwhile, Lockheed is expanding missile production capacity, with PAC-3 MSE annual output set to increase from 620 to 2,000 units under long-term agreements. Missiles and Fire Control sales rose 14% in fiscal year 2025, providing a growth avenue independent of fighter production.