CANBERRA, Australia, 2 June 2022 – Lockheed Martin announced it has appointed Mr. Ken Kota as vice president, Australian Defence Strategic Capabilities Office. Ken will lead Lockheed Martin’s approach to delivering a sovereign guided weapons capability as part of the Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise. 

Throughout his tenure, Ken has gained significant experience overseeing the delivery of offensive and defensive weapons systems to global customers.

In this newly created role, Ken will leverage Lockheed Martin’s deep expertise in missile design and manufacture to accelerate the development of advanced guided weapon manufacturing capabilities in Australia. 

This includes ensuring expedient access to existing technologies and systems currently utilised in Lockheed Martin’s advanced weapons factories, rapidly mobilising a highly skilled workforce and establishing the local industry partnerships needed to manufacture and maintain critical guided weapons.

Ken will report to Lockheed Martin Executive Vice President, Scott Greene.

“Lockheed Martin understands the strategic importance of Australia’s GWEO Enterprise and is committed to putting the best people in front of this national endeavour. Ken brings significant experience in missile defence and strike weapons to the team,” said Warren McDonald, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand.

“Under his guidance, and with ready access to U.S. capabilities and experience, Lockheed Martin Australia will help build the in-country knowledge and engineering expertise required to deliver GWEO.”

Ken Kota said he was proud to be supporting Lockheed Martin Australia to realise the GWEO Enterprise and bolster Australia’s self-reliance. 

“As one of the largest manufacturers of guided weapons in the world, Lockheed Martin has a long, proud history designing, developing and manufacturing precision engagement aerospace and defence systems,” he said. 

“We are looking forward to working hand in glove with the Australian Defence Force and local small to medium enterprises to transfer this knowledge and capability. 

“In the short term, we will accelerate Australia’s ability to maintain and manufacture sovereign guided weapons. And in the long term, we will support a durable and resilient supply chain that secures Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities.”

Lockheed Martin was selected as a Strategic Industry Partner in the development of the Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise in April 2022.

ENDS

About Lockheed Martin Australia 

Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1,200 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, Defence and civil sectors.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.au

Media Contact Lockheed Martin Australia:

Jo Hon, Head of Communications Lockheed Martin Australia & New Zealand, +61 458 175 404