Lockheed Martin has established a new subsidiary, dubbed Astris AI, designed to integrate AI into operations requiring high levels of security and reliability. Targeting both the US defence industrial base and commercial sectors, Astris AI aims to help organisations overcome challenges associated with deploying AI technologies in tightly regulated environments.
The US global security, defence and aerospace contractor’s new AI subsidiary will provide organisations with access to foundational AI tools, including Lockheed Martin’s machine learning operations (MLOps), and generative AI platforms built specifically to meet the compliance and security demands of regulated industries. Astris AI’s offerings include modular, open-architecture platforms designed for adaptability and cost efficiency. By focusing on scalable AI development, Astris AI is expected to enable organisations to deploy resilient solutions that can evolve alongside rapid technological advancements.
Beyond software, Lockheed said that the subsidiary will offer consultative engineering services, including strategy development, implementation support, and end-to-end AI model development. These services, added the defence giant, aim to empower organisations to own and manage their AI systems, maintaining control over data and operational tools.
Astris AI is led by chief revenue officer Donna O’Donnell. Previously, O’Donnell served as global vice president for AI and intelligent automation at Xerox, where she led automation and generative AI initiatives. The subsidiary’s operations are supported by Lockheed Martin’s chief digital and AI officer Mike Baylor and Greg Forrest, director of AI foundations.
The new AI subsidiary’s creation is part of Lockheed Martin’s broader Evolve portfolio, which focuses on developing commercial and non-traditional business ventures to strengthen the defence industrial base. “Astris AI is perfectly positioned to deliver AI/MLOps solutions across industries,” said O’Donnell. “By combining Lockheed Martin’s expertise with Astris AI’s agile approach, we’re enabling organisations to navigate the complexities of the rapidly evolving technology landscape with high assurance AI solutions that deliver secure and reliable interactions, compliance and responsible decision-making.”
Broader adoption of AI in defence and technology
The foundation of Astris AI also aligns with broader trends in the defence and technology industries, where AI is increasingly viewed as essential to maintaining operational efficiency and security. Recent developments highlight growing interest in integrating AI into defence and intelligence operations. Earlier this month, Anduril Industries, a private defence technology company, announced a partnership with OpenAI to deploy advanced AI solutions for national security missions.
Similarly, Palantir Technologies expanded its collaboration with Microsoft to enhance cloud and AI capabilities for US defence and intelligence agencies. The deal will see Palantir’s products, including its Foundry and Gotham platforms, integrated with Microsoft’s Azure Government and Top Secret cloud environments. The initiative enables AI-driven operational workflows for logistics, planning, and security across defence applications, pending government authorisations.
Read more: AI adoption ‘surging’ across global defence sector
