Eyes in the Skies: Delivering Deterrence and Security Through Innovation with Lockheed Martin

Best in-class tech development often starts with military technology. Born from the need for precision, resilience, and rapid innovation, it performs with excellence even in the most extreme conditions. SkyKeeper, a Lockheed Martin Command and Control system, was initially developed in the UK to support military missions. It is in-service with the British Army as part of its Land Environment Air Picture Provision (LEAPP) capability.

The UK sovereign capability, designed by Lockheed Martin Engineers at its Ampthill Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering facility, for the British Army, has brought fundamental change to land environment operations since it came into service in 2015, and remains successfully operational today. The capability provides a recognised air picture into the land domain. LEAPP has gone through a Command and Control update programme, which has placed SkyKeeper at the core of the system, bringing even greater operational advantage, enabling military platforms across multiple domains to exchange a tactical picture in real-time, creating a true multi-domain integration environment.  

Lockheed Martin is now exploring the potential of repurposing this cutting-edge military technology for non-military applications. By reimagining its application, the global defence technology company aims to bolster civilian security, leveraging the same precision, resilience, and rapid innovation that has placed SkyKeeper at the heart of the army’s LEAPP capability.

This approach not only showcases Lockheed Martin’s commitment to UK deterrence, but also demonstrates its dedication to enhancing civilian security through innovative technology transfer. This is not just theoretical - LEAPP has already been utilised as a surveillance capability at two high-profile global events hosted by the UK: the G7 2021 Summit in Cornwall and the COP 26 Summit in Glasgow.

In an era of rapid tech development, it comes as no surprise that Lockheed Martin is on the front foot when it comes to technology advancement – through spiral development, it is integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications into SkyKeeper’s core functionality. These advanced technologies enable SkyKeeper to process vast amounts of data quickly, improving situational awareness, and rapid decision-making capabilities.

The fusion of military-grade technology with civilian security applications represents a significant step forward in safeguarding our societies. As Lockheed Martin pioneers this potential, it sets a precedent for others to follow, ultimately shaping a future where cutting-edge military innovations contribute to everyday safety and security.

 

The integration of advanced military technology into civilian security applications offers substantial and wide-ranging social and economic benefits. This tech transfer fosters stronger collaboration between defence and commercial sectors, unlocking new pathways for innovation and accelerating the development of cutting-edge solutions that serve both national and public interests. By adapting technologies initially designed for military use - such as SkyKeeper, civilian industries gain access to highly sophisticated capabilities that can enhance public safety, disaster response, infrastructure protection, and more.

Economically, this dual-use approach encourages job creation across engineering, manufacturing, and technology sectors while also stimulating high-value supply chains and attracting investment. Moreover, it enhances the export potential of UK-developed technologies, strengthening the country’s global competitiveness and contributing to long-term economic resilience.

You can find out more about SkyKeeper here.