Lockheed Martin and Electra Expand Collaboration to Accelerate EL9 Ultra-STOL Commercialization

Rhea-AI Summary

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works (LMT) and Electra.aero have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate the development of Electra's EL9 ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft. The collaboration will focus on digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, sustainment, and global business development. The EL9 aircraft can take off and land in 150 feet from unimproved surfaces, carry 1,000 lbs over 1,000 miles, and is designed for military applications including last-mile logistics, mobile power generation, and emergency response. This agreement expands upon their existing relationship, following Lockheed Martin Ventures' investment in Electra's Series A funding round in 2022. Electra has already secured contracts with NASA, U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy, along with Letters of Intent for over 2,200 aircraft from 50+ commercial customers.

Positive

• Strategic partnership with defense giant Lockheed Martin enhances development and commercialization prospects
• Strong market validation with over 2,200 aircraft under Letters of Intent from 50+ commercial customers
• Existing contracts with major government agencies including NASA, U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy
• EL9's superior capabilities: 1,000 lbs payload, 1,000-mile range, and 150-foot takeoff/landing capability
• 70% lower operating costs compared to helicopters and eVTOLs with greater safety features

Negative

• None.

Insights

Aerospace & Defense Industry Analyst

Lockheed Martin's strategic MOU with Electra strengthens its position in the tactical aircraft market with minimal capital commitment.

This MOU between Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and Electra marks a significant strategic move in the tactical aviation sector. The collaboration focuses on Electra's EL9 ultra-STOL aircraft, which offers remarkable capabilities - taking off and landing in just 150 feet from unimproved surfaces while carrying 1,000 pounds over 1,000 miles.

This partnership represents a low-risk, high-potential opportunity for Lockheed Martin. Rather than developing similar technology internally at significant cost, LMT gains access to Electra's innovations through collaboration. The arrangement builds upon Lockheed's earlier Series A investment in Electra via its venture capital arm in 2022, showing an escalating commitment to this technology.

The strategic value lies in three key areas: First, it positions Lockheed to capitalize on growing military demand for versatile, austere-field capable aircraft without major R&D expenditure. Second, it leverages Lockheed's manufacturing expertise and defense customer relationships - critical advantages Electra lacks. Third, it potentially creates a pathway to significant defense contracts, particularly in expeditionary logistics where the DoD has expressed urgent requirements.

For investors, this represents classic Lockheed strategic positioning - gaining early access to promising technology with commercial crossover potential while maintaining balance sheet discipline. The collaboration framework allows Lockheed to scale its involvement based on program success without the capital intensity of acquisition or internal development.

PARIS, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin Skunk Works^® (NYSE: LMT) and Electra.aero, Inc. ("Electra") signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities for Electra's EL9 ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft.

Electra's EL9 will transform military aviation for last mile logistics, mobile power generation and emergency response.

Lockheed Martin, a global defense technology company, will collaborate with Electra to explore ways to accelerate the development of the EL9 in areas including digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, sustainment, and global business development.

Additionally, the Skunk Works and Electra teams will assess opportunities for potential programs of record with the U.S. Department of Defense and global customers.

The Electra EL9 will transform commercial and military aviation for applications including last mile logistics, mobile power generation and emergency response. The Ultra-STOL EL9 can quietly take off and land in 150 feet and from unimproved surfaces, enabling operations in austere areas while retaining the safety, cost and range benefits of a fixed-wing aircraft. The EL9's ability to carry 1,000 lbs. over 1,000 miles enables an array of novel use cases for commercial and defense users.

"Lockheed Martin's breadth of manufacturing, supply chain and military customer expertise is the perfect complement to Electra's EL9 commercialization strategy," said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. "This relationship will accelerate our speed to market to bring the EL9's transformative capabilities to our military customers."

"Electra has driven significant innovation in the hybrid-electric space, and we're excited to collaborate with them to accelerate their development," said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works^®.

The agreement deepens the strategic relationship between Lockheed Martin and Electra. In 2022, Lockheed Martin Ventures signed a strategic cooperation agreement to invest in Electra's Series A funding round.

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security^® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at www.lockheedmartin.com.

About Electra
Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra) is an advanced aerospace company building hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft that achieve never-before performance advantages to fly people and cargo seamlessly without airports, emissions, or noise. With the Ultra Short, Electra is pioneering Direct Aviation, the next level of connectivity that brings air travel closer to where we live, work, and play. Electra's Ultra Short technology delivers 2.5X the payload and 10X longer range with 70% lower operating costs than helicopters and eVTOLs with significantly greater safety and far less certification risk.

Electra's team includes some of the most respected and successful entrepreneurs and engineers in novel aircraft design, with over 40 prior aircraft successfully developed and/or certified. Electra's contracted customers include NASA, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy, along with over 2,200 aircraft under Letters of Intent from 50+ commercial customers, including both airlines and helicopter operators.

Media Contact:
Media@electra.aero

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SOURCE Electra.aero

FAQ

What is the partnership between Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Electra for the EL9 aircraft?

Lockheed Martin and Electra signed an MOU to collaborate on accelerating EL9 Ultra-STOL aircraft development, focusing on digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and business development.

What are the key capabilities of Electra's EL9 Ultra-STOL aircraft?

The EL9 can take off and land in 150 feet from unimproved surfaces, carry 1,000 lbs payload over 1,000 miles, and operates with 70% lower costs than helicopters and eVTOLs.

How many orders does Electra have for its EL9 aircraft?

Electra has Letters of Intent for over 2,200 aircraft from 50+ commercial customers, plus contracts with NASA, U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy.

What is Lockheed Martin's existing investment in Electra?

Lockheed Martin Ventures made a strategic investment in Electra's Series A funding round in 2022, preceding this expanded collaboration.

What are the main applications for the EL9 Ultra-STOL aircraft?

The EL9 is designed for last-mile logistics, mobile power generation, emergency response, and various military applications.