The UK could be a global hub for international space collaboration
For over half a century, Lockheed Martin has led the way in space innovation, delivering mission-critical solutions that underpin global defence and security. As demand grows worldwide – including in the UK – its expertise has never been more vital
The UK has invested significant resources in recent years to become a meaningful player in space and develop capabilities that will protect and defend its national interests.
In addition to making choices based on technological superiority, it is critical for the UK to choose partners with a proven track record of stimulating economic growth and empowering industrial advantage.
Lockheed Martin has partnered with the UK for over eight decades, supporting vital missions and delivering considerable economic benefit. The company recently invested heavily in the UK space sector to support national ambitions, including the national launch programme, Northumbria’s £50m North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST), and other Research and Development (R&D) initiatives.
Mindful of the need for a talent pipeline to foster growth, Lockheed Martin has also stepped up to inspire the next generation of the UK’s space workforce, conducting a number of STEM outreach initiatives and running annual Space Camps in the North East.
Lockheed Martin’s space camps bring together students from Years 6 and 12 in underprivileged areas to participate in workshops, develop problem-solving skills, and learn about the range of career opportunities in the space sector with the intention of inspiring them to “reach for the stars.”
Recognising that a diverse talent pool will help sustain a future talent pipeline, Lockheed Martin emphasises transferable skills, drawing from sectors like aerospace, automotive, and computer science, and technical skills like problem-solving and systems thinking, alongside soft skills such as communication and teamwork.
It makes perfect sense, then, against this backdrop of recognisable commitment coupled with a track record of delivery, that Lockheed Martin is positioned to be the partner of choice for the UK’s space ambitions.
Space Camp integrates education, inspiration, and practical experience to cultivate the future leaders in space exploration.
The UK in the global space ecosystem
Lockheed Martin has around 1,800 employees in the UK, supporting critical missions for the MOD across the air, land, sea and cyber domains – areas in which the company has a great deal of expertise.
Space is the “jigsaw piece” that the UK needs to connect systems between all domains. This integration ensures uninterrupted situational awareness and connectivity across increasingly contested environments.
Nations like the UK that offer a clear vision of their national programmes and space ambition foster the environment for industry-enriching investments.
Lockheed Martin believes this gives the UK potential to be a major player in the global space economy, which is estimated to be worth £1.8tn by 2035. However, to remain competitive in the evolving global landscape, the UK must commit significant investments.
Nik Smith, UK and Regional Director for Lockheed Martin Space, said that “the UK should be focused on creating more diversity in its space sector, attracting companies from around the world to invest in the UK and using those export links to help us reach new export markets.”
Lockheed Martin believes the UK is now positioned to be a global hub for international space collaboration. With the addition of a global prime, the UK could reach new parts of the global market, drive resilience and diversity in the supply chain, attract significant investment, and empower the industrial base in regions beyond the South East of the country.
Lockheed Martin plans to expand the space manufacturing footprint in the UK, including new product lines, skilling for cutting-edge digital tools and development of other trades critical to modern space systems. Such presence would create multi-billion pounds of opportunity and accelerate the availability of new technology in the UK.
Strengthening industrial capacity and cooperation
The technology available in the UK industrial base has been outpaced by threats in space, but addressing this situation is a priority for Lockheed Martin.
“As a world leader in space defence and security capabilities, Lockheed Martin’s plans to expand its onshore presence would elevate the UK’s industrial capacity and strengthen its ability to deliver critical capabilities, both for the UK and to its allies,” said Smith.
He added: “industrial advantage is at the heart of this success – but not just in the UK. Strengthening the global space economy should be a priority for the UK and its global partners.”
“A collective approach to technology innovation is the only way to outpace our adversaries and counter today’s threats,” said Smith.
“Success in future conflict will not only be determined by the capability that can be fielded at the start, but how well a coalition can replenish, reconstitute and innovate over a long period.
“A resilient global ecosystem will be a key component of our contingent military advantage, which the UK could help enable with U.S. and European headquartered primes.
“This would also optimise technology shared with allies – including the U.S. and NATO, and experience shows that sharing technology leads to better operational interoperability.”
To learn more about Lockheed Martin’s UK operations, please visit www.lockheedmartin.com/en-gb/index.html
