Lockheed Martin Partners with SMU to Enhance Philippines' Multi Role Fighter Program

Lockheed Martin has partnered with Southern Methodist University to establish a state-of-the-art research lab focused on digital innovation and workforce development for the Philippines' Multi Role Fighter program. This collaboration is part of Lockheed Martin's industrial package for the F-16 Block 70 fighter jet offering and aims to bolster the country's research capabilities and support its Self-Reliant Defense Posture. The partnership will provide access to innovation tools and equipment, funding for business incubation and academic programs, and create new capabilities and intellectual properties through collaboration with leading Philippine universities and industries.

Lockheed Martin, a global defense technology company, has announced a strategic partnership with Southern Methodist University (SMU) to establish a state-of-the-art research lab focused on digital innovation and workforce development for the Philippines' Multi Role Fighter program. This collaboration is part of Lockheed Martin's industrial package for the F-16 Block 70 fighter jet offering and aims to bolster the country's research capabilities and support its Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP).

The partnership will provide Filipino professionals with access to state-of-the-art innovation tools and equipment located at SMU, enabling them to develop innovative solutions and prototypes. Funding for business incubation, government initiatives, and academic programs will also be provided. Additionally, a world-class research lab and training space will be established, fostering collaboration with leading Philippine universities and industries to develop new capabilities and intellectual properties.

Jess Koloini, Lockheed Martin F-16 Business Development, stated, "We are committed to investing in the development of new capabilities and intellectual properties in close collaboration with leading universities and companies in the Philippines. This partnership will not only support the country's Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) but also create a lasting impact on the Filipino workforce, driving economic growth and prosperity."

The partnership will leverage the expertise of SMU's Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing (CDHAM) and Deason Innovation Gym (DIG) to significantly enhance the Philippines' research and development capacity in digital modeling, simulations, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, automation, and Artificial Intelligence.

Dr. Ben Zoghi, Southern Methodist University Associate Dean for Advanced Studies and Industry Partnerships, noted, "This partnership is an investment in the strength of the Filipino workforce. These projects will significantly boost the Philippines' academia and industry, enabling them to leverage digital innovation technologies to drive economic growth and global industrial competitiveness."

The F-16 Block 70 is the most advanced version of the F-16 fighter jet, offering unparalleled capabilities and performance. Lockheed Martin's industrial collaboration package is designed to support the Philippines' economic development and SRDP goals while also enhancing the country's security capabilities.

For additional information, visit Lockheed Martin's website: [Lockheed Martin](https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-ph/index.html).

[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lockheed-martin-announces-industrial-collaboration-000000706.html
[2] https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20250813da50106/lockheed-martin-announces-new-industrial-collaboration-project-with-smu-for-philippines-multi-role-fighter-program
[3] https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2025-08-13-Lockheed-Martin-Announces-New-Industrial-Collaboration-Project-with-SMU-for-Philippines-Multi-Role-Fighter-Program