Lockheed Martin has announced that the new strategic tanker aircraft, used primarily for military purposes, will be manufactured at locations in Alabama and Georgia. The LMXT is a tanker conversion of the Airbus A330 which is manufactured at the Airbus plant in Mobile, Alabama. The conversion itself will be carried out by Lockheed Martin Aeronautic’s Marietta, Georgia facility, which is currently responsible for final production of the C-130J Super Hercules and centre wing assembly lines for the F-35 Lightning II.
The MRTT was the focus of attention back in 2018 when an MoA was signed between Airbus and Lockheed Martin to explore aerial-refueling solutions as well as refuelling capacity shortfalls for the US Army. The LMXT is a result of this MOA, offering a proven airframe with distinct US Air Force-only capabilities built by a highly skilled American workforce in two states that lead the nation in aerospace manufacturing. The expansion of work by both Lockheed Martin and Airbus in Alabama and Georgia is a natural progression for the companies, with each having deep roots in both states.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
