Lockheed Martin has entered a new partnership with Hadrian to accelerate the production of essential missile components, a move aimed at strengthening the resilience and scalability of US defense manufacturing. As part of a newly signed memorandum of understanding, Hadrian will implement its factory-as-a-service model at a Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control facility.
The collaboration involves deploying a flexible machining and inspection cell built around advanced robotics, CNC machines, and Hadrian’s proprietary manufacturing execution software. This automated setup will support faster production of critical components for systems including the PAC-3 MSE interceptor, THAAD batteries, Precision Strike Missiles, and the GMLRS family. The goal is to help Lockheed Martin quickly respond to growing domestic and international demand.
Lockheed Martin has been investing heavily in modernizing its manufacturing footprint over recent years. Beyond the Hadrian partnership, the company has expanded digital engineering, additive manufacturing, and automated assembly lines across several sites. Upgrades to THAAD and PAC-3 MSE facilities, for example, feature modular production cells capable of scaling output rapidly based on operational needs.
To further ease supply chain pressure, Lockheed Martin has also increased cooperation with smaller, highly specialized suppliers. This mirrors a broader industry shift toward automation-driven, flexible manufacturing systems that can reliably support major US Army and Missile Defense Agency programs, as well as the requirements of allied nations.
