Purdue University and Lockheed Martin signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further collaborate on research into defense technologies. The agreement between the Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) and Lockheed Martin covers a wide range of areas of interest, including hypersonic technology, rocket and aerospace propulsion, energetic materials, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and microelectronics.

The MOU signing included interim Purdue president Mitch Daniels; PARI president and executive vice president of research Dan DeLaurentis; president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Tim Cahill; and Lockheed Martin VP and chief technology officer (CTO) Craig Martell (see image above). 

According to DeLaurentis, “Lockheed Martin’s collaboration with PARI opens the door to deeper engagement with Purdue’s robust national security and defense capabilities.” He added, “From our researchers and students to our specialized facilities and partnerships, Purdue offers unique resources that can help address some of the nation’s most pressing technology challenges.”

The MOU signing builds upon a master research agreement between Purdue and Lockheed Martin begun in 2021. 

Cahill commented, “This MOU is a tangible expression of our shared commitment to move at the speed of innovation — delivering affordable, scalable capabilities that our defense customers demand.” 

He added that the MOU strengthens the search for outstanding engineers for defense-related research, “The agreement creates new avenues for joint research, opens pathways for small-business ecosystems, and strengthens our recruitment pipeline with world-class engineers. We look forward to collaborating on many more breakthroughs that keep our armed forces ahead of tomorrow’s threats.”

Purdue and PARI provide access to flexible facilities for design, manufacturing, and test. PARI’s Hypersonics and Applied Research Facility, for example, features the Hypersonics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center. PARI also operates two wind tunnels for high-speed flight simulations. Purdue is home to the Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories and the Birck Nanotechnology Center.