At the first day of the AED Days 2025, June 3, AED Cluster Portugal and Lockheed Martin signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential opportunities for industrial cooperation. This agreement marks the start of a joint effort to identify and develop projects of mutual interest.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration, aiming to create opportunities for Portuguese companies to participate in a potential F-35 program. The goal is to identify national businesses with the skills and capabilities to contribute to future industrial activities connected to the program.
As part of this partnership, AED Cluster Portugal will act as a link between Lockheed Martin and its network of members. By encouraging dialogue and facilitating connections with local partners, the Cluster will help promote the development of cooperation projects associated with the F-35.
José Neves, President of AED Cluster Portugal, highlighted the importance of this step:
“AED’s mission is to boost the national ecosystem by encouraging collaborations that strengthen our industrial base. Lockheed Martin, as a strategic partner, brings important opportunities for our members, helping them grow and integrate into demanding international programs. This MoU reinforces our commitment to innovation and development in the aerospace and defence sectors.”
J.R. McDonald, Vice President of F-35 Business Development at Lockheed Martin, added:
“Lockheed Martin is committed to building strong partnerships with industries in countries that operate or are considering the F-35. This agreement with AED Cluster Portugal is an important step in exploring how Portuguese companies can benefit from opportunities across our global portfolio.”
