The agreement was announced at NL-US Defense Industry Days, two years after the organizations signed an exploratory memorandum of understanding. The partners said their work had since moved technologies from laboratory research toward operational use.
The expanded program aims to strengthen Dutch defense companies’ participation in international supply chains. It will also use operational analysis to connect military mission needs with capability requirements.
The partners have established joint frameworks, workshops and specialist working groups for confidential technology development. They said these arrangements had helped them navigate security requirements and differences between their organizations.
“We believe that modern aerospace development relies on global integration rather than isolation, making cross-border partnerships essential to deliver systems that no single nation can build alone,” said Tineke van der Veen, chief executive of Royal NLR. “Referring to the Dutch Defence White Paper 2026, NATO is the cornerstone of our defense, with the United States as our most important ally.”
“Together with Skunk Works, we’re committed to cooperate to solve the highest priorities of the air force for the challenges ahead of us,” van der Veen said. The collaboration is intended to support the service’s readiness while developing technologies for future requirements.
“Lockheed Martin is excited about continued partnership with NLR through expansion of this MOU,” said Ron Fehlen, vice president and general manager of Skunk Works. “We have matured specific projects with cutting-edge technologies, such as Thermoplastics, and through our continued collaboration, we will develop new solutions to address pressing aerospace and defense challenges.”
Thermoplastics were the only specific technology example named in the announcement. The partners did not disclose financial terms, identify individual uncrewed aircraft projects or give a timetable for the expanded work.
