Pentagon’s No.1 weapons supplier, Lockheed Martin, is joining with President Donald Trump’s administration and South Korean industry to strengthen access to critical materials vital for national defense.
The initiative, announced by Michael Williamson, President of Lockheed Martin International, is aimed at building a more resilient supply chain for technologies essential to both U.S. and allied security.
“To advance this priority, I joined U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan to sign a memorandum of understanding with Korea Zinc Company, Ltd, a leading firm in the critical materials sector,” Williamson said.
The memorandum of understanding outlines areas of cooperation to reinforce industrial resilience, expand supply options, and ensure consistent access to materials that underpin advanced defense technologies. These include applications across missile defense, aerospace, and emerging 21st Century Security platforms.
Williamson emphasized that the project supports both U.S. and allied security goals.
“This collaboration will explore opportunities to strengthen supply chain resilience and ensure access to critical materials that are vital for 21st Century Security solutions,” he stated.
The effort comes as defense contractors and governments work to reduce dependence on limited or vulnerable supply chains for rare earths and other essential inputs. By involving both American and South Korean partners, Lockheed Martin says the project will expand industrial cooperation while ensuring reliable access to strategically important resources.
Lockheed Martin has maintained defense and industry cooperation with the Republic of Korea for more than 40 years. From fighter aircraft to missile defense, the company has played a central role in Seoul’s modernization and interoperability with U.S. and allied forces.
According to the company, this new step builds on that foundation.
“This new initiative builds on that foundation, reinforcing both our industrial cooperation and the trusted alliance between our nations,” Williamson said.
The announcement also reflects Washington’s broader push to secure critical materials and protect defense production lines. The Trump administration has emphasized the importance of reshoring industrial capacity and creating dependable supply chains, not only for U.S. needs but for allied defense industries as well.
The memorandum signed with Korea Zinc is expected to serve as a framework for deeper cooperation in areas where secure supply is essential. For Lockheed Martin, this includes the production of advanced systems for missile defense, aircraft, and space programs. For Seoul, it represents an opportunity to expand its role in the global defense supply chain while strengthening ties with Washington.