| Paris, France – June 19, 2025 – Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT) and Electra.aero, Inc. (“Electra”) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities for Electra’s EL9 ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft.
Lockheed Martin, a global defense technology company, will collaborate with Electra to explore ways to accelerate the development of the EL9 in areas including digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, sustainment, and global business development.
Additionally, the Skunk Works and Electra teams will assess opportunities for potential programs of record with the U.S. Department of Defense and global customers.
The Electra EL9 will transform commercial and military aviation for applications including last mile logistics, mobile power generation and emergency response. The Ultra-STOL EL9 can quietly take off and land in 150 feet and from unimproved surfaces, enabling operations in austere areas while retaining the safety, cost and range benefits of a fixed-wing aircraft. The EL9’s ability to carry 1,000 lbs. over 1,000 miles enables an array of novel use cases for commercial and defense users.
“Lockheed Martin’s breadth of manufacturing, supply chain and military customer expertise is the perfect complement to Electra’s EL9 commercialization strategy,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “This relationship will accelerate our speed to market to bring the EL9’s transformative capabilities to our military customers.”
“Electra has driven significant innovation in the hybrid-electric space, and we’re excited to collaborate with them to accelerate their development,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®.
The agreement deepens the strategic relationship between Lockheed Martin and Electra. In 2022, Lockheed Martin Ventures signed a strategic cooperation agreement to invest in Electra’s Series A funding round.
Electra’s CEO Marc Allen (l) and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ VP and General Manager OJ Sanchez (r) sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the floor of the Paris Air Show 2025
Embraer celebrates A-29 Super Tucano 600,000 flight hours
- This versatile and combat proven aircraft tailored for 21st century missions continues its success story with over 290 aircraft ordered
- The A-29 Super Tucano has been selected by 22 air forces worldwide
São José dos Campos, Brazil, June 19, 2025 – Embraer (NYSE: ERJ/ B3: EMBR3), a global leader in the aerospace industry, celebrates today during the Paris Air Show another significant milestone in the history of the A-29 Super Tucano, selected by 22 air forces worldwide. The aircraft fleet in service achieved 600,000 flight hours.
“It is a privilege to share this key achievement in the successful trajectory of the leading aircraft in its category. The A-29 Super Tucano is the only light attack, armed reconnaissance, and advanced training turboprop aircraft in production, with proven performance in combat around the world,” says Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
For air forces seeking flexible combat proven and cost-efficient aircraft, the A-29 Super Tucano is the best choice. The A-29 offers a wide range of missions such as Advanced Pilot Training, CAS, Air Patrol, Air Interdiction, JTAC Training, Armed ISR, Border Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Air Escort.
Recently acquired by Portugal, the A-29N Super Tucano – a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) interoperable variant – demonstrates the platform’s versatility and adaptability. Equipped with advanced avionics, specialized communication systems, and enhanced capabilities, the aircraft is designed to meet NATO’s most stringent requirements.
The A-29 Super Tucano is the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its category, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise target identification, weapons systems, and a comprehensive communications suite. Its capability is further enhanced by advanced human-machine interface (HMI) avionics systems integrated into a robust airframe capable of operating from unpaved runways, in austere environments and with little infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has reduced maintenance requirements and offers high levels of reliability, availability, and structural integrity, with low life cycle costs.
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