Airborne and LM expand partnership with smart automation initiative

A contract under the Industrial Participation Program will support Airborne in evolving its automation technology to meet Lockheed Martin’s aerospace production goals.

Airborne has secured a contract from Lockheed Martin through the Industrial Participation Program, reinforcing the long-standing collaboration between the aerospace giant and Dutch industry. The partners have launched a strategic initiative to increase agility in the fabrication of complex aerospace parts by enhancing smart material handling and intelligent automation.

The project will strengthen Airborne’s automation capabilities by boosting production output, refining inspection systems, widening material compatibility and improving software integration. These developments are tailored to support the operational requirements of Lockheed Martin’s business units.

James McLachlan, Head of Sales at Airborne, says: “This collaboration with Lockheed Martin, one of the world’s premier aerospace technology companies, is a great vote of confidence for Airborne’s solutions. It will enable us to accelerate our mission of pushing the boundaries of automated composites manufacturing.”

Tara Thomasson, Lockheed Martin Technical Fellow, adds: “The Lockheed Martin‑Airborne collaboration will integrate smart material kit creation with advanced data‑driven automation for a flexible production system that enables the next-generation of aerospace fabrication.”

Lockheed Martin’s Joe Krapf says: “This Industrial Participation project will be another successful win/win opportunity.” Dutch Commissioner for Military Production Jan Cristiaan Dicke says it demonstrates the Netherlands’ strength in innovating production processes.