Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky and Robinson Unmanned subsidiary secured a $15.5 million contract from the U.S. Marine Corps for the Medium Aerial Resupply Vehicle – Expeditionary Logistics (MARV‑EL) Increment 2 program. The award covers the R66 TURBINETRUCK, a commercial rotor‑craft platform that will be fitted with the company’s MATRIX autonomy system to deliver ammunition, medical supplies and other essential equipment to Marines in contested environments, bridging the capability gap between small tactical drones and large strategic airlifters.
The contract expands Lockheed Martin’s autonomous logistics footprint and positions the company to pursue additional Marine Corps and joint‑force contracts. It is part of the Unmanned Logistics System – Air (ULS‑A) initiative and follows the company’s prior participation in the Marine Corps’ Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) Phase 1 in 2025, underscoring a growing demand for middle‑weight unmanned logistics solutions.
Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky, said, “As we expand the MATRIX family, we also extend the reach of uncrewed solutions for both civil and military customers. The commercially developed R66 TURBINETRUCK is simple, economical and re‑configurable; ideal for high‑risk, hard‑to‑reach environments where keeping personnel out of harm’s way is essential.” David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, added, “Our partnership with Sikorsky brings the trusted performance and reliability of the R66 platform into the unmanned logistics arena. The R66 TURBINETRUCK represents a significant step forward in expanding proven rotorcraft into scalable, autonomous cargo solutions for demanding operational environments. Together, we are delivering a game‑changing capability that will enhance warfighter readiness and open new opportunities for safe, reliable and affordable autonomous transport.” Paul Fermo, president of Robinson Unmanned, noted, “Operators need logistics solutions that can keep pace with rapidly changing mission demands without increasing complexity. By combining MATRIX’s advanced autonomous capability with the rugged, flight‑proven R66 airframe, the R66 TURBINETRUCK delivers that capability whenever and wherever it’s needed—no matter the environment.”
The contract comes shortly after Lockheed Martin reported Q1 2026 earnings, where revenue was $18.0 billion and net earnings were $1.5 billion, a decline from the prior year’s $1.7 billion. The new contract adds a fresh revenue stream and demonstrates the company’s ability to convert its autonomous technology into commercial contracts, offsetting the earnings dip and reinforcing its long‑term growth trajectory.
The award signals a broader shift toward autonomous logistics in the defense sector. By integrating the MATRIX autonomy system with a proven rotor‑craft airframe, Lockheed Martin is positioning itself to capture a growing market for “middle‑weight” unmanned cargo platforms that can operate in contested environments. The contract also provides a platform for future Marine Corps and joint‑force contracts, potentially accelerating the company’s expansion in the unmanned logistics arena.
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