Lockheed Martin Opens Rapid Fielding Center in North Texas

The new facility aims to streamline development, testing, and prototype production of next-generation defense systems.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:55pm

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Aerospace and defense tech giant Lockheed Martin has opened a new Rapid Fielding Center at its campus in Grand Prairie, Texas. The facility aims to accelerate the end-to-end development, testing, and prototype production of next-generation defense systems and solutions for the U.S. government amid ongoing conflicts and the need for faster innovation.

Why it matters

The new Rapid Fielding Center is part of Lockheed Martin's broader $7 billion investment since President Trump's first term to expand capacity for priority defense systems. The facility's modular and integrated design allows Lockheed to rapidly develop and scale new military capabilities in response to the government's accelerated acquisition schedules.

The details

The Rapid Fielding Center is integrated with Lockheed's manufacturing floor, providing proximity to advanced production equipment and skilled workers to enable faster feedback on designs. Prototypes that once took years can now be designed, fabricated, and validated within months, allowing for quicker delivery of innovative capabilities to the U.S. military.

  • Lockheed Martin has invested more than $7 billion since President Trump's first term to expand capacity for priority systems.
  • The company is planning a 'multibillion-dollar investment' over the next three years to expand production and build and modernize more than 20 facilities in Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, and Massachusetts.

The players

Lockheed Martin

An American aerospace and defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells aircraft, missiles, and other defense systems.

Randy Crites

Vice President of advanced programs at Lockheed Martin.

Mike Patton

Vice President of Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control Operations.

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What they’re saying

“From concept to low-rate production, we can now deliver mission-critical solutions in a fraction of the traditional timeline, directly supporting the government's urgent ramp-up needs.”

— Randy Crites, Vice President of advanced programs

“Over the coming months, our multidisciplinary teams will work hand in hand with U.S. partners to execute additional prototype runs, integrate emerging technologies, and transition capabilities to full-rate production. The Rapid Fielding Center gives our customers the agility, flexibility and discreet mobility they require to maintain decisive advantage across any operational domain.”

— Mike Patton, Vice President of Missiles and Fire Control Operations

What’s next

Lockheed Martin plans to continue expanding its production capacity and modernizing facilities across multiple states over the next three years to meet the government's urgent defense needs.

The takeaway

Lockheed Martin's new Rapid Fielding Center in North Texas represents the company's broader efforts to accelerate the development and delivery of critical defense capabilities to the U.S. military amid evolving global threats and conflicts.