As the Defense Department looks elsewhere for new ideas, large defense contractors are speaking up about the innovative technology development they have underway. Discussions of autonomous technology, hypersonic weapons and other next-generation approaches are playing a larger role in the public narratives of prime contractors. Take Lockheed Martin, where Marillyn Hewson, the contractor's chief executive, outlined the company's focus areas during a March 15 media day. "At the end of the day, we know that new growth depends on our...