Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) expanded their existing collaboration to help provide technology for the improvement of the Department of Defense (DOD).
The agreement includes four different additions for the DOD, including classified cloud innovations, artificial intelligence and machine learning, 5G.MIL capabilities and a full scale digital transformation.
“Through this historic agreement, Lockheed Martin and Microsoft are blazing a new path in classified cloud, artificial intelligence, and 5G.MIL capabilities for the Department of Defense. We are creating faster, safer, and more affordable 21st Century Security solutions that infuse immersive experiences and other advanced commercial technologies into the most capable defense systems,” said Yvonne Hodge, chief information officer for Lockheed Martin.
Based out of Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company involved in the research and development, development and design of advanced technology systems, products and services. It employs approximately 114,000 people.
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Department of Defense agreement spans four critical areas
Lockheed Martin is the first defense industrial member to use Microsoft’s National Industrial Security Program (NISP) framework for cloud computing. The two companies have been working on both the classified and unclassified cloud environment. The project should be operational in 2023.
The new developments will involve a host of enhancements, including information migration to the cloud and more enhanced cybersecurity reporting. Also, improved IT and research and development options. Additionally, the company will be able to automate many of its functions and perform governance at scale.
Additionally, Microsoft and Lockheed will develop an advanced gaming, exercising, modeling and simulation (GEMS) and emulation solutions program. GEMS technology will unlock test military platforms and technologies on a digital platform. These capabilities cut costs for the DOD and mitigate risk to service members through a digital alternative to live exercises.
The deal also intends to use Lockheed Martin’s 5G.MIL technologies to develop secure and interoperable communications systems. These systems will be capable of linking with existing DOD networks. Developments here include a 5G core, management for applications and networks at scale, and cloud-native security.
Lockheed will also use Azure as a foundation for 1LMX, its digital transformation program. The program is model-based with an integrated digital thread connecting the design, build and sustain product life cycle. Lockheed will become a multi-cloud environment in the unclassified space using Azure as the principal provider.
“In partnership with Lockheed Martin, we’re demonstrating how the defense industrial base can bring classified data into the cloud securely while bringing advanced 5G connectivity, critical data processing and analysis, and immersive experiences to the edge to support decision- making where it’s needed, when it’s needed,” said Jason Zander, EVP of strategic missions and technologies at Microsoft.
