Lockheed Martin and New Hampshire-based Albany Engineered Composites have collaborated to fast-track mass production of hypersonic weapons for the US Department of Defense.
Lockheed Martin and New Hampshire-based Albany Engineered Composites have collaborated to fast-track mass production of hypersonic weapons for the US Department of Defense.
The teaming agreement combines Lockheed’s systems integration expertise with Albany’s 3D weaving manufacturing technology to meet the military’s demand for cost-effective, high-speed solutions.
The effort aligns with the Pentagon’s plan to field an affordable and scalable hypersonic platform by 2029.
“By pairing our experience in system integration and battle-ready engineering with Albany’s cutting-edge composite production, we are accelerating the delivery of critical technologies to bolster the Arsenal of Freedom and strengthen our defense industrial base,” said Johnathon Caldwell, vice president and general manager of Strategic and Missile Defense Systems at Lockheed Martin.
‘Low-Risk’ Approach
Existing production limits have restricted hypersonic missile deliveries to roughly two dozen annually, according to sources.
The new arrangement uses a flexible framework with defined cost structures to help both defense contractors quickly adapt to changing military specifications.
“The future of hypersonics depends on more than breakthrough design — it requires the ability to manufacture advanced composite structures at unprecedented scale,” said Chris Stone, president of Albany Engineered Composites.
“This partnership combines Lockheed Martin’s proven architecture with Albany’s advanced composite technologies and agile manufacturing capabilities to deliver a low-risk solution.”
