Lockheed Martin is an American aerospace and defence company formed by the combination of Lockheed and Martin Marietta in 1995. Its Aeronautics business develops, manufactures and supports military aircraft, including fighters, transports and reconnaissance platforms. Its aircraft portfolio includes both production programmes and types maintained after their original manufacturing runs.[1]A Merger of EqualsLockheed Martin · lockheedmartin.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]AeronauticsLockheed Martin · lockheedmartin.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The 1995 combination
The merger took effect on 15 March 1995 after approval by the shareholders of the two predecessor corporations. It brought together companies with separate aviation histories and was part of defence-industry consolidation following reductions in American defence spending. The new organisation combined aeronautics, electronics, information and technology services, and space and strategic-missile activities. Management responsibilities were shared between the two predecessor organisations, and Lockheed executives moved to Martin Marietta's Maryland headquarters.[1]A Merger of EqualsLockheed Martin · lockheedmartin.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[3]1995 annual reportLockheed Martin · lockheedmartin.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Aircraft programmes
The Aeronautics portfolio includes the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor and F-16 Fighting Falcon, alongside the C-130 transport and U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. These fulfil different military roles rather than forming a single succession of interchangeable designs. Lockheed Martin describes its work as both building and sustaining aircraft; those terms should be distinguished when identifying whether a type is newly manufactured, modernised or supported in service.[2]AeronauticsLockheed Martin · lockheedmartin.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Manufacturing locations
Several American sites perform complementary functions. Fort Worth, Texas, manufactures the F-35; Marietta, Georgia, manufactures the C-130 and produces the F-35 centre wing. Greenville, South Carolina, houses F-16 production and aircraft sustainment work. Palmdale, California, is associated with the Skunk Works research and development organisation. These locations illustrate the division of labour within Aeronautics, with structural production, aircraft assembly, development and support distributed across multiple facilities.[4]Virtual Site ToursLockheed Martin · lockheedmartin.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Sustainment
Lockheed Martin's support work extends beyond aircraft leaving its assembly lines. Greenville undertakes modifications, maintenance, repair and overhaul, with experience on both military and civil aircraft. Its historical workload includes C-130, P-3, KC-10 and C-9 aircraft. Greenville opened in 1984, before the Lockheed–Martin Marietta merger, and subsequently supported thousands of aircraft. The site's capabilities also include aircraft painting, with experience on types ranging from F-16s and C-130s to L-1011s and helicopters.[5]Greenville operationsLockheed Martin · lockheedmartin.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details