- The project marks an important milestone in the development of cutting-edge photonic technologies.
- The new agreement signed is part of the strategic technological alliance that both companies have had since June 2023.
Madrid, May 14, 2025 -Grupo Oesía, a 100% independent, privately held Spanish multinational specializing in dual-use digital and industrial engineering, and Lockheed Martin, a world leader in deterrence and innovation, have signed a research agreement at FEINDEF 2025 to explore how new technologies can overcome the limitations of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), used to transmit, process or detect information in both the commercial and defense sectors.
The agreement aims to accelerate and enhance secure communications, highlighting the strategic importance of integrated photonics and reinforcing the value of global industrial collaboration.
Signed by Ray Piselli, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of international business, and Luis Furnells, president and CEO of Grupo Oesía, the agreement paves the way for developing a new type of photonic integrated circuit using a unique material composition called lithium niobate on insulator. This technology is expected to enable more efficient information transfer, in tasks ranging from strengthening commercial wireless networks to transforming defense systems.
With the increasing rise of 6G networks, which will surpass the capabilities of today’s 5G systems, Lockheed Martin and Grupo Oesía see potential to overcome the limitations of today’s electron-based wireless systems. The use of photons instead of electrons could reduce bandwidth costs and increase their availability worldwide, while bringing key advances in aerospace and defense applications.
For the joint development of the project, Lockheed Martin is fully committed to contribute with its world-class Advanced Technology Laboratories, with 3 research centers in the United States, and Grupo Oesía will contribute with its Innovation Center in Photonic Technologies in Valencia, which includes an R&D investment of 10 million euros during the period 2025-2030.
“This agreement underscores Lockheed Martin’s long-standing commitment to advancing transatlantic security by collaborating with allies in Europe and NATO to develop and deliver innovative capabilities that protect our citizens,” Piselli said. “By combining the innovative strengths of Oesia Group and Lockheed Martin, we are creating a powerful team to address a complex challenge facing both the U.S. and European defense industries.”
Luis Furnells, president and CEO of Grupo Oesía: “This project is a very significant example of our strategy as a Spanish multinational specialized in dual-use digital and industrial engineering and of the pillars that have made us a relevant player in the industrial security and defense sector: hyperspecialization through investment in innovation and the development of key dual-use disruptive technologies, as well as strategic technological alliances with industry leaders, such as Lockheed Martin, a world leader in defense platforms and systems.”
The research agreement builds on the long-standing collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Grupo Oesía, and focuses on emerging technologies for commercial and defense applications.