Lockheed Martin Space UK Showcases Its Commitment to the North East at Farnborough International Airshow

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Lockheed Martin Space UK Showcases Its Commitment to the North East at Farnborough International Airshow

LOCKHEED Martin UK’s continued commitment to the North East was showcased to a new audience, after supporting the region at this year’s Farnborough International Air Show.

August 04, 2026

Along with being a major sponsor and having a highly visible presence at the show, Lockheed Martin Space UK also had a presence in the Space Zone, an interactive exhibition area designed to showcase the latest space technologies, foster collaboration across the sector and give visitors an insight into the future of the UK space industry.

And it was here that the company gave North East Space the opportunity to share their stand, along with representatives from Northumbria University, which is developing the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) on its Newcastle City Campus, in partnership with Lockheed Martin and the UK Space Agency.

A Panel on the Future of the UK’s Space Ecosystem

The company hosted the UK Space Agency and an invited audience for a panel discussion on the Space Clusters Infrastructure (SCIF) and the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP), which included NESST representatives who talked about their experience of receiving SCIF funding.

Chris Spicer, the new Regional Director UK/Europe, Lockheed Martin Space, said the event was an important opportunity to discuss the future of the UK’s space ecosystem.

Lockheed Martin UK is incredibly proud of NESST, which has become a key facility within our space business and a visible demonstration of our long-term commitment to the North East and the UK’s growing space sector,” he said. “NESST represents more than bricks and mortar; it is a hub for innovation, collaboration and skills development, helping bring together the people and organisations that will shape the future of space. “As someone new to this role, I have been struck by the strength of the UK’s space community and the willingness of organisations across government, industry and academia to work together. “That collaboration is critical because the opportunities ahead of us are significant. “Whether we are developing new technologies, building sovereign capability, supporting economic growth or inspiring the next generation, success will depend on strong partnerships across the ecosystem.

Chris Spicer

Regional Director UK/Europe, Lockheed Martin Space

The panel – which was chaired by Rod Drury, Vice President Global Business, Lockheed Martin Space – included Craig Brown, Deputy Director Space Ecosystems, UK Space Agency, Professor John Woodward, Pro Vice Chancellor Engineering and International at Northumbria University, Phil Witcherley, Director Economic Growth and Innovation at North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (NEMSA) and Andrew Broadbent, Principal and Chief Executive New College Durham.

Regional Skill-Building for the Future

New College Durham is working in collaboration with both Lockheed Martin and NESST in skills and training development for 16-18 year olds. They have also recently been awarded Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College status, one of only four in the country with a focus on space adjacent manufacturing.

Among the subjects discussed by the panel were the key growth opportunities for the UK space ecosystem, what gaps NESST was designed to address and its impact – even before opening – on the North East space sector.

The importance of skills development through NESST and what those developments looked like were also addressed by the panel, along with how the project had acted as a catalyst for further investment and innovation funding.

Speaking after the panel, Phil Witcherley said it has been useful and highly successful discussion and showcased how working together was key.

“NESST has brought together the university, local and regional government, Lockheed Martin and the UK Space Agency to work together and shows that working with partners are key to innovation and growth,” he said.

“NEMSA recognises the importance of space and defence to the region and is fully supportive of initiatives which can only be good for the North East.”

Professor John Woodward praised the event and said it showcased “the ambition of NESST and the important role it was playing.”

“The panel was a superb opportunity to talk about skills and skills growth and how initiatives like the North East Space Communications Accelerator (NESCA) and the possible opportunities in the Local Partnership Innovation Fund (LPIF) are playing a vital role in supporting innovation, business growth and inward investment.”

The FIA panel’s focus on skills and the opportunities being created in the North East came at a time when new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, unveiled an £8.4b investment to support growth in the defence and security industry.

His plans to create more apprenticeships and job opportunities aligns with Lockheed Martin UK’s plans to boost jobs in the north.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security^® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

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Media Contacts:

Jackie Lucas +44 (0) 7385 005135 | jacqueline.a.lucas@global.lmco.com