Skunk Works® and XTEND Expand Joint All Domain Command and Control for Advanced Mission Execution

Rhea-AI Summary

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) Skunk Works and XTEND integrated XTEND Operating System (XOS) into Skunk Works' MDCX autonomy platform to enable simultaneous command-and-control (C2) of multiple UAS classes.

A November demonstration of a Multi-Class MDCX (MC-MDCX) workstation showed a marsupial mission where a larger UAS delivered a class 1 drone and a single operator conducted both delivery and close-in mission tasks, reducing manpower and removing mission handoffs.

XOS claims layered C2, GPS-denied and jam-resistant capabilities, and faster operator proficiency; Lockheed Skunk Works and XTEND are exploring JADC2 applications and decision-loop improvements for autonomous systems.

Positive

• Demonstration enabled single-operator control of multi-class UAS
• Demo showed reduced manpower by eliminating mission handoffs
• XOS supports operations in GPS-denied or jammed environments
• XOS reportedly allows near expert-level proficiency for new operators

Negative

• Integration described as planned and demonstrated, not broadly fielded
• No commercial, contract, or timeline details disclosed for deployment

News Market Reaction

-0.98%

1 alert

-0.98% News Effect

On the day this news was published, LMT declined 0.98%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Reality Check

Price: $652.58 Vol: Volume 1,951,039 is 40% a...

normal vol

$652.58 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,951,039 is 40% above 20‑day average 1,390,740 ahead of this news. normal

Technical Trading above 200‑day MA with price 474.79 vs 200‑day MA at 465.27.

Peers on Argus

Peers show mixed, mostly small moves: NOC +0.25%, GD 0%, BA -0.22%, HWM -2.05%, ...

Peers show mixed, mostly small moves: NOC +0.25%, GD 0%, BA -0.22%, HWM -2.05%, TDG -0.17%. No clear sector‑wide trend aligned with LMT’s slight -0.48% move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 16 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 16	F‑35 rollout Finland	Positive	-1.5%	Rollout of Finland’s first F‑35A and start of training in early 2026.
Dec 15	F‑16 Block 70 delivery	Positive	+0.9%	Completion of initial F‑16 Block 70 fleets for Bulgaria and Slovakia.
Dec 11	AI gov solutions	Positive	+1.5%	Launch of Astris AI for Government to support secure AI in agencies.
Dec 10	NGI facility buildout	Positive	+0.2%	Advancing construction of Courtland NGI facility for missile defense.
Dec 04	AI UAV demo	Positive	+0.3%	AI‑driven mission contingency management demo on autonomous UAVs.

Pattern Detected

Operational and AI/autonomy announcements have usually led to modest positive moves, with one notable negative reaction to otherwise positive F‑35 news.

Recent Company History

In the last few weeks, Lockheed Martin has reported several operational and technology milestones, including Finland’s first F‑35A rollout, completion of initial F‑16 Block 70 fleets for Bulgaria and Slovakia, and progress on an 88,000‑square‑foot Next Generation Interceptor facility. AI and autonomy have been recurring themes, with Astris AI for Government and an AI‑driven UAV mission‑contingency demo. Today’s Skunk Works/XTEND C2 integration fits this pattern of advancing autonomous, multi‑domain capabilities for defense customers.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ integration of XTEND’s XOS into the MC‑MDC...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ integration of XTEND’s XOS into the MC‑MDCX platform, enabling a single operator to control multiple UAS classes in JADC2 scenarios and reducing manpower needs. It follows recent AI and autonomy milestones and supports a strategy of piloted‑drone teaming and faster data‑to‑decision cycles. Investors may watch for future demonstrations, operational deployments, and how these capabilities tie into larger defense programs and customer adoption.

Key Terms

command and control (C2), uas, global positions system (gps), radio frequency datalinks, +1 more

5 terms

command and control (C2) technical

"revolutionizing C2 for multi-class drones"

Command and control (C2) is the remote system or network that attackers use to issue instructions to compromised computers and collect stolen data, like a puppet master controlling infected machines. For investors, evidence of C2 activity signals an active breach that can lead to business disruption, lost customer data, regulatory fines and remediation costs, any of which can hurt revenue, reputation and share value.

uas technical

"Command and Control (C2) of multiple classes of UAS"

UAS stands for Unmanned Aircraft System, the complete setup that lets a remotely piloted aircraft (commonly called a drone) fly safely — including the aircraft itself, the ground controller, communications links and supporting equipment. Investors watch UAS because rules, technology and demand for tasks like surveying, delivery or aerial inspection directly affect companies’ sales and regulatory costs; think of it as a vehicle plus its keys, radio and support crew that together determine whether it can operate profitably.

global positions system (gps) technical

"even when Global Positions System (GPS) signals are denied"

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based service that tells a device its precise location and time anywhere on Earth, like a constantly updated digital map and clock built into phones, vehicles and equipment. Investors care because GPS underpins logistics, fleet management, location-based services and many consumer products—affecting costs, revenue streams, safety and regulatory or privacy risks that can influence a company’s performance and valuation.

radio frequency datalinks technical

"or radio frequency datalinks are jammed"

Radio frequency datalinks are wireless channels that send and receive digital information using radio waves, like a wireless postal service moving messages between devices, vehicles, or remote sensors. Investors care because these links are core to products and services in industries such as aerospace, defense, telecom, and IoT; their performance, spectrum access, security, and regulatory approvals directly affect a company’s competitive edge, contract wins, and revenue potential.

autonomous systems technical

"decision loops for advancing autonomous systems"

Autonomous systems are machines or technology that can operate and make decisions on their own, without needing constant human guidance. They use sensors, software, and rules to perform tasks independently, much like a self-driving car navigating traffic. For investors, understanding autonomous systems is important because they are transforming industries, increasing efficiency, and creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Skunk Works^® MDCX™ autonomy platform is revolutionizing C2 for multi-class drones

PALMDALE, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Skunk Works^® and XTEND collaborated to integrate the XTEND Operating System (XOS) into Skunk Works' MDCX™ autonomy platform, allowing simultaneous Command and Control (C2) of multiple classes of UAS, creating improved situational awareness for lower-level mission execution in joint all-domain C2 (JADC2) scenarios.

In November, the two companies demonstrated an integrated Multi-Class MDCX (MC-MDCX) workstation in support of a marsupial drone mission. In the demonstration, a larger class UAS delivered a smaller UAS class 1 drone to perform a close-in mission.

In previous constructs the operator of the larger class UAS would pass control over to an operator with lower-level controls for classes 1 or 2 vehicles. These types of controls include first-person views, mark-and-fly commands, and immersive environments for the drone operator to fully execute the mission. With the planned integration of XTEND's XOS into Lockheed Martin's MC-MDCX, a single operator can conduct both missions.

The integration demonstration proved a reduction in total manpower for complex mission executions, removing the need for mission handoffs to lower-tiered operators, and improving situational awareness across the mission space.

XTEND is a leader in combat-proven drone C2 solutions, deployed by militaries around the world. Their products provide a layered response and operational stepdown processes, enabling platform operations even when Global Positions System (GPS) signals are denied, or radio frequency datalinks are jammed. XOS allows new operators to conduct missions at near expert-level proficiency, thus reducing training time, increasing operational effectiveness, and improving informed decision-making. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and XTEND are now focused on how these techniques can be applied to JADC2 missions and decision loops for advancing autonomous systems.

Skunk Works is dedicated to enabling piloted and drone teaming to optimize operational flexibility, abbreviate data-to-decision timelines and improve pilot safety. We continue to collaborate with and invest in enabling technologies to keep our customers ahead of emerging threats. 

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 Lockheedmartin.com. 

About XTEND
XTEND's AI-driven autonomous and tactical drone solutions serve the worldwide defense, law enforcement, and security markets, providing mission-critical systems and capabilities. Its proprietary XOS operating system fuses human intelligence and machine autonomy to enhance operator capabilities and reduce cognitive load. XTEND is a global company with offices in Tampa (Florida), Tel Aviv (Israel), Singapore and Latvia. For more information, visit http://www.xtend.me 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skunk-works-and-xtend-expand-joint-all-domain-command-and-control-for-advanced-mission-execution-302644874.html

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

FAQ

What did Lockheed Martin (LMT) and XTEND announce on December 18, 2025 about MDCX?

They announced integration of XTEND Operating System (XOS) into Skunk Works' MDCX to enable multi-class UAS C2 and a November demonstration of a Multi-Class MDCX workstation.

How did the November demonstration show multi-class UAS control for LMT?

A larger UAS delivered a class 1 drone in a marsupial mission and a single operator executed both higher- and lower-level tasks using the integrated MC-MDCX workstation.

What operational benefits does XOS provide for LMT MDCX missions?

XOS provides layered C2, resilience in GPS-denied or jammed environments, reduced training time, and improved situational awareness.

Does the announcement state when the XOS–MDCX integration will be widely deployed for LMT?

No; the release describes planned integration and a November demonstration but gives no deployment timeline or contract details.

Will the XOS integration change manpower needs for Lockheed Martin (LMT) drone missions?

The demonstration proved a reduction in total manpower by removing mission handoffs to lower-tiered operators.