BETHESDA, Md., — April 22, 2026 : Lockheed Martin has announced a $25 million investment in Fortem Technologies, marking the initial tranche of Fortem’s ongoing Series B funding round. The funding is intended to expand manufacturing capacity and accelerate deployment of Fortem’s counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) technologies within Lockheed Martin’s Sanctum ecosystem.
The investment builds on an existing partnership between the two companies and supports the transition of a jointly developed counter-drone framework into wider operational use. Under a contract announced on March 19, 2026, Fortem is supplying its TrueView radar systems and DroneHunter autonomous interceptors for integration with Lockheed Martin’s Sanctum C-UAS Mission Management software, aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and military assets.
Integrated Counter-UAS Architecture
Fortem Technologies, headquartered in Lindon, Utah, develops the SkyDome system, a multi-layered counter-UAS solution comprising three primary components. The TrueView radar family—including R20, R30, and R40 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) sensors—provides 360-degree airspace coverage and three-dimensional tracking. These systems are designed with low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) parameters and incorporate AI-based processing using onboard computing, including NVIDIA GPU-enabled edge analysis, to classify targets and reduce false detections such as birds or environmental interference.
The SkyDome Manager software serves as the command-and-control layer, integrating sensor data and applying AI-driven threat analysis to coordinate responses. The system is paired with DroneHunter F700 autonomous interceptors, which are deployed from fixed or mobile DroneHangar launch systems. The interceptors use onboard radar and a net-based capture mechanism to neutralize hostile drones with limited collateral effects. Fortem reports nearly 5,000 successful captures in operational use, with an approximate success rate of 85 percent.
The system is designed to counter Group 1, 2, and 3 unmanned aerial systems, including platforms such as the Orlan-10 and Shahed-136. It is capable of operating in all weather conditions and supports both fixed-site and mobile deployment configurations. Fortem is currently the only company authorized to deploy a drone-on-drone kinetic interceptor within U.S. airspace. Its systems have been used in operational environments across Ukraine, the Middle East, and East Asia.
Integration with Sanctum Platform
Fortem’s systems are being integrated into Lockheed Martin’s Sanctum architecture, a modular, open-architecture C-UAS platform designed for multi-domain operations. Sanctum employs artificial intelligence and cloud-based processing to detect, track, and neutralize unmanned threats, including coordinated drone swarms.
The platform has been developed with interoperability in mind and is compatible with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards. It allows integration with existing air defense systems, allied networks, and joint force command-and-control frameworks. Sanctum also incorporates cloud infrastructure, including Microsoft Azure, to enable distributed data processing and coordination across airborne and ground-based nodes.
Operational and Economic Considerations
The combined system is structured to create a streamlined detection-to-engagement process, enabling operators to identify and mitigate threats more efficiently. By integrating Fortem’s detection and interception technologies with Sanctum’s mission management layer, the system supports automated or semi-automated responses to drone incursions, including loitering munitions and swarm attacks.
Lockheed Martin states that the approach offers cost advantages compared to traditional kinetic interceptors such as missiles, rockets, or directed-energy systems. The use of reusable interceptor drones and software-centric radar platforms reduces the cost per engagement by more than 80 percent while maintaining effectiveness against low-observable targets.
Increased production of these systems is expected to support a more sustainable logistics model, reducing maintenance requirements and enabling more frequent training and readiness activities.
Manufacturing Expansion and Market Outlook
The $25 million investment will enable Fortem Technologies to at least double its manufacturing capacity at its Lindon, Utah facility. The expansion is expected to support additional hiring in engineering and production roles, contributing to the broader defense industrial base.
The global counter-UAS market is projected to exceed $12 billion by 2030, driven by the increasing proliferation of low-cost, autonomous drone systems that pose risks to military operations, critical infrastructure, and civilian airspace.
This investment aligns with Lockheed Martin’s broader strategy to expand its portfolio in counter-UAS technologies. The company recently increased the capacity of its venture capital arm to $1 billion, targeting emerging national security technologies.
Industry Context and Investor Background
Fortem Technologies is a privately held company backed by multiple investors, including Lockheed Martin Ventures, DCVC, Toshiba, AE Industrial Partners, AIM13, and Signia Venture Partners. Lockheed Martin has not disclosed additional financial terms related to the Series B funding round.
Executive Statements
Stephanie C. Hill, President of Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, stated that the collaboration is intended to deliver scalable and rapidly deployable capabilities aligned with evolving operational requirements, with an emphasis on affordability and production speed.
Fortem Technologies CEO Jon Gruen noted that the increasing scale and autonomy of drone threats require integrated and scalable countermeasures. He stated that the partnership is focused on accelerating deployment of systems that have already demonstrated performance in operational environments.
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