Lockheed Martin and Virginia-based IT services firm MANTECH have formalized a strategic teaming agreement to upgrade how the US military sustains its combat aircraft using artificial intelligence (AI).
The partnership focuses on real-time aircraft performance monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smarter logistics, with strict defense-grade security and data protection integrated at every stage.
By analyzing large volumes of aircraft data, the AI system is intended to reduce downtime, extend operational life, and improve mission readiness.
Combining AI Development, Mission Integration
Lockheed’s AI Factory, an in-house digital capability made for developing autonomous systems and predictive analytics, will play a crucial role in the collaboration.
Meanwhile, MANTECH’s experience in defense tech solutions and modernization will support the seamless integration of AI-powered capabilities under the project.
That experience includes recent moves to expand its portfolio.
In December, MANTECH bought data science firm Elder Research in Charlottesville to strengthen AI offerings.
The company also holds major defense department work, including a $910-million US Southern Command task order for cyber and IT upgrades and a similar $110-million US Air Force contract awarded in May 2024.
“This collaboration between Lockheed Martin and MANTECH will generate a unified team of strengths, capable of creating resilient sustainment ecosystems that can be projected to America and its allies around the world,” said Nicholas Smythe, vice president of business development for sustainment at Lockheed.
