- Lockheed Martin to generate ₱50 billion economic value in the Philippines through repair facilities, innovation centers, and knowledge transfer.
- Partnership with Southern Methodist University to support workforce development, digital innovation, and research capabilities in Philippine universities.
- Initiative aligned with RA 12024, creating 2,000+ local jobs and strengthening the country’s defense modernization efforts.
Lockheed Martin Corp., the American defense and aerospace company, said it expects its investments in the Philippines to generate around ₱50 billion in economic value. These investments include setting up repair facilities, sharing technology, and training programs to strengthen the country’s defense industry and workforce.
Jess Koloini, director of business development at Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, said the company’s plan is part of the Self-Reliance Defense Posture initiative. “We have developed a package that covers a wide range of economic and defense programs. We believe it will create at least 2,000 jobs for the Philippine economy, along with nearly ₱50 billion in economic impact”, she told BusinessWorld.
Lockheed Martin’s investments include a repair and maintenance facility for F-16 fighter jets and C-130 cargo planes. The company also plans to establish an Innovation Center that will support the country’s military capabilities and create additional jobs for the local workforce.
Part of the initiative involves a partnership with Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Texas. Through this partnership, Philippine universities will receive technology and knowledge transfer in areas such as digital innovation, intellectual property, and workforce development. Koloini said SMU’s top academics and research teams will engage with Philippine institutions and even bring students to the U.S. to expand technical research and development.
Philippine universities will gain access to SMU’s advanced innovation tools and equipment, along with support for business incubation, government initiatives, and academic programs. A state-of-the-art research laboratory and training facility will also be established.
Local stakeholders will benefit from training under SMU’s Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing (CDHAM) and Deason Innovation Gym (DIG). These programs will strengthen the country’s capabilities in digital modeling, simulations, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence.
Lockheed Martin is already working with several Philippine institutions, including De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines, Philippine State College of Aeronautics, and World City Colleges.
Also Read: Philippine Airlines Partners with FEUC to Elevate Student Mobility and Global Education
Koloini noted that the partnership aligns with Republic Act 12024, also called the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act. The law aims to enhance the country’s defense capabilities using local resources and innovation.
“These programs are meant to support a long-term relationship through the F-16 program”, Koloini said.
The Philippines faces pressure to modernize its defense forces amid rising tensions with China. Last month, Lockheed Martin delivered five new Black Hawk helicopters to the Philippine Air Force. The company is also waiting for the U.S. government’s formal offer on the sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets, with a total value of $5.58 billion.
Lockheed Martin’s investments are seen as a significant boost to the country’s defense readiness, local employment, and innovation capabilities.
