Hewson: Lockheed to continue to invest in directed energy, hypersonics

Lockheed Martin will continue to focus on several key areas of innovation, from directed energy to hypersonics to digital manufacturing, the contractor's chief executive said today.

Speaking at a conference hosted by Bernstein in New York, Marillyn Hewson said Lockheed is "getting traction" on directed-energy systems.

"I think you'll see a continued pull for that capability, and we're going to continue to invest in it," she added.

Hewson said Lockheed has won some programs in hypersonics. Additionally, she listed autonomy, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing and 3D printing as other areas in which Lockheed is investing.

"They're all real," Hewson said. "They're all very important technologies. We're looking at how we prioritize our [research and development] dollars."