Lockheed Martin has joined an effort to develop signals intelligence technologies for Finland’s fleet of F-35 fighter jets.
On Nov. 21, the company formalized a framework agreement with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland to lead a consortium that would combine resources, experience and expertise over the next three years to deliver new capabilities for the defense industry.
Members of the new consortium hail from defense, technology and space companies and universities from across Finland.
“The cooperation is a significant step for VTT and Finland at large,” said Sauli Eloranta, director of safe and connected society research area at VTT.
“The technology cooperation offers us an opportunity to continue to develop our strong expertise in defense technologies and to increase cooperation with other defense industry actors.”
Finland is awaiting the delivery of 64 new F-35A to replace its current fleet of F/A-18 fighter jets. The first F-35A jets are expected to arrive in the European nation in 2026.
VTT, a state-owned entity founded during World War II, is also negotiating a second framework agreement with Lockheed Martin to jointly pursue millimeter-wave passive imaging radiometer research and development in 2024.