Lockheed Martin and 4iG Space and Defence agree to prepare US-Hungarian defence industry cooperation

4iG Space and Defence Technologies Zrt. and Lockheed Martin Global, Inc. have entered into a preliminary agreement to prepare potential cooperation opportunities related to long-range rocket artillery systems.

The parties are examining a collaboration framework that supports the local integration of  a HIMARS likesystem in Hungary – including installation on military trucks – as well as the involvement of related technological, development and manufacturing activities.

As the largest defence industry group in the United States and globally, Lockheed Martin is leading player in the development of air defence, missile launcher and long-range fire support systems, and strategic partner to more than 60 countries. The worldwide operations span aeronautics, missile and fire control systems, rotary-wing and maritime systems, as well as space technologies and satellite solutions.

Within the group, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control serves as a key centre of excellence for the development of missile technologies and artillery systems.

The flagship and most widely recognised element of the company’s long-range rocket artillery portfolio is HIMARS, which became a core fire support capability on NATO eastern flank and a key component of defence modernisation efforts across several allied countries.

The objective of the signee companies is to establish an industrial framework that enhances the Hungarian Defence Forces’ NATO-compatible long-range fire support capabilities while bringing high value-added activities to Hungary, in full alignment with the required U.S. and Hungarian governmental approvals.

The agreement also provides for the establishment of a joint Executive Steering Committee, composed of executives identified by each Party, to oversee the exploration and preparation of potential cooperation opportunities. The Committee will support the identification and development of new projects, assess possible development, technological and investment models, and examine opportunities for involving Hungarian suppliers in the value chain.

“The agreement signed today represents a significant step for the Hungarian defence industry. By the partnership with the world’s largest defence contractor  Lockheed Martin, we can lay the foundations for the development of domestic capabilities that is to strengthen Hungary’s position among NATO’s most reliable and well-prepared partners. The establishment of an industrial framework related to the HIMARS represents not just a technological advancement, but also the foundation of new, high value-added development and manufacturing capacities in Hungary. ” said István Sárhegyi, CEO of 4iG SDT.

“Lockheed Martin is eager to collaborate and leverage our combat-proven long-range rocket artillery solutions to address the pressing need to strengthen NATO and Europe’s defense capabilities. This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting European allies in bolstering their industrial capabilities, achieving strategic objectives and fulfilling NATO commitments.” said Paula Hartley, vice president, Lockheed Martin Tactical Missiles.

The preliminary agreement reinforces defence industry ties with the United States and demonstrates Hungary’s position as a reliable partner for technologies subject to the strictest export control regimes. This marks the first cooperation initiated by 4iG SDT with a major U.S. defence company, Lockheed Martin, and represents an important step in strengthening Hungary’s defence and industrial capabilities.

The preparatory process now underway may contribute to the establishment of capabilities that uniquely link Hungarian industry with US defence innovation at a regional level.