Lockheed Martin announced it has appointed Ken Kota as vice president, Australian Defence Strategic Capabilities Office.
Kota will lead Lockheed Martin’s approach to delivering a sovereign guided weapons capability as part of the Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise.
Throughout his tenure, Kota has gained 'significant experience' overseeing the delivery of offensive and defensive weapons systems to global customers.
In this newly created role, Ken will aim to leverage Lockheed Martin’s expertise in missile design and manufacture to accelerate the development of advanced guided weapon manufacturing capabilities in Australia.
This includes 'ensuring expedient access to existing technologies and systems currently utilised in Lockheed Martin’s advanced weapons factories, rapidly mobilising a highly skilled workforce and establishing the local industry partnerships needed to manufacture and maintain critical guided weapons', according to Lockheed Martin.
Kota will report to Lockheed Martin Executive Vice President, Scott Greene.
“Lockheed Martin understands the strategic importance of Australia’s GWEO Enterprise and is committed to putting the best people in front of this national endeavour. Ken brings significant experience in missile defence and strike weapons to the team,” said Warren McDonald, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand.
“Under his guidance, and with ready access to U.S. capabilities and experience, Lockheed Martin Australia will help build the in-country knowledge and engineering expertise required to deliver GWEO.”
Ken Kota said he was proud to be supporting Lockheed Martin Australia to realise the GWEO Enterprise and bolster Australia’s self-reliance.
“As one of the largest manufacturers of guided weapons in the world, Lockheed Martin has a long, proud history designing, developing and manufacturing precision engagement aerospace and defence systems,” he said.
“We are looking forward to working hand in glove with the Australian Defence Force and local small to medium enterprises to transfer this knowledge and capability.
“In the short term, we will accelerate Australia’s ability to maintain and manufacture sovereign guided weapons. And in the long term, we will support a durable and resilient supply chain that secures Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities.”
Lockheed Martin was selected as a Strategic Industry Partner in the development of the Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise in April 2022.