Purdue’s PARI signs MOU with Lockheed Martin to expand defense tech collaboration, boosting Indiana research and talent pipeline

On Sept. 17, 2026, the Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) and Lockheed Martin signed a memorandum of understanding to broaden collaboration in defense technologies. Signatories included Purdue interim President Mitch Daniels; PARI executive vice president Dan DeLaurentis; and Lockheed Martin leaders Tim Cahill and Craig Martell. The MOU lists hypersonics, rocket and aerospace propulsion, energetic materials, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, autonomous systems and microelectronics as mutual areas of interest.

The agreement expands on a master research agreement that began in January 2021 and is intended to support joint research, technology development and workforce training. Purdue and PARI highlighted facilities available to Lockheed Martin, including PARI’s Hypersonics and Applied Research Facility and its Hypersonics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center, two wind tunnels (a Mach 8 quiet tunnel and the HYPULSE reflected shock/expansion tunnel), the Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories and the Birck Nanotechnology Center. The PARI Scholars Program offers undergraduates immersive research experiences, including opportunities to gain security clearance.

BusinessIndy examines this development and its implications for Indiana businesses and communities using the linked sources.