Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global leader in aerospace, defense, arms, security, and advanced technologies, headquartered in North Bethesda, Maryland. With approximately 122,000 employees worldwide and operations spanning over 450 facilities across 53 countries, Lockheed Martin stands as one of the world's largest defense contractors and a cornerstone of American military and aerospace capabilities. The company was formed on March 15, 1995, through the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, uniting what were then the second and third largest American defense contractors in a historic $10 billion deal.

Lockheed Martin operates through four primary business segments: Aeronautics (39% of 2024 revenue), Missiles and Fire Control (18%), Rotary and Mission Systems (24%), and Space (19%). The company's Aeronautics segment produces the world's most advanced fighter aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II—the largest defense program globally with over 1,230 aircraft in service across 12 nations and more than one million flight hours. The F-35 alone accounts for 26% of Lockheed Martin's total revenue. Other flagship programs include the F-22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and C-130 Hercules tactical airlifter, each representing decades of technological leadership and combat-proven performance.

The company's heritage traces back to 1912, when Glenn L. Martin established the Glenn L. Martin Company and Allan Lockheed founded the Loughead Aircraft Manufacturing Company. This rich legacy spans over a century of aviation and aerospace innovation, from early aircraft manufacturing through the Cold War era's advanced systems to today's fifth-generation stealth fighters and space exploration programs. Major acquisitions have shaped the modern company, including the $9.1 billion Loral Corporation defense electronics acquisition in 1996 and the $7.1 billion Sikorsky Aircraft purchase in 2015, which added the premier helicopter manufacturer to Lockheed Martin's portfolio.

In fiscal year 2024, Lockheed Martin generated $71.04 billion in revenue with $5.34 billion in net income. The company derives 73% of its revenue from the U.S. federal government, including 65% from the Department of Defense, making it a critical partner in national security. Recent major contracts include a $24.3 billion award for 296 F-35 fighters in production lots 18-19, demonstrating continued strong demand for the company's flagship platform. Under the leadership of CEO James Taiclet since 2020, Lockheed Martin focuses on digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, hypersonics, directed energy, and next-generation space systems while maintaining its commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and supporting the defense of allied nations worldwide.