Lockheed Bags Deal With Microsoft For Efficient Information Sharing With Pentagon

Lockheed Martin Corp LMT and Microsoft Corp MSFT reached a landmark expansion of their strategic relationship to help power the next generation of technology for the Department of Defense (DOD).
Microsoft will provide Lockheed Martin with its first classified cloud as part of a three-year deal, making it easier for the U.S.' largest weapons maker to share information with the Pentagon, its top customer, Reuters reported.
The secure cloud partnership will permit Lockheed to avoid some of the repetitive security compliance processes for each new government project.
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Lockheed will use Microsoft's cloud-based gaming, exercising, modeling, and simulation tools to test military systems and technologies virtually, saving time and money versus more expensive testing of prototypes or in-person exercises.
The new cloud will also allow the company to identify cyber threats and potential hacks.
Yvonne Hodge, senior vice president, Enterprise Business and Digital Transformation, and chief information officer, Lockheed Martin: "Through this historic agreement, Lockheed Martin and Microsoft are blazing a new path in the classified cloud, artificial intelligence, and 5G MIL capabilities for the Department of Defense."
Price Action: LMT shares closed higher by 0.29% at $468.60 on the last check Wednesday.