Do we like them?

Do we like Lockheed Martin?

Makes fighter jets (F-35, F-16), missiles, helicopters and space systems, mainly for the US government. Based in Bethesda, Maryland.

Our score: 3 out of 10. We wouldn't back them. They are a repeat settler of US government overcharging cases, and their weapons are tied to civilian harm in several wars.

Lockheed Martin is one of the biggest defence contractors in the world. It builds the F-35 and F-16 jets and Hellfire missiles, and most of its customers are governments. Jim Taiclet has been CEO since 2020 and is now chairman as well.

The company has settled with US government more than once over billing. In 2024 two of its units agreed to pay $70 million over claims they overcharged the Navy for aircraft parts. A separate F-35 pricing case settled for nearly $30 million. Those were allegations, and no liability was determined.

Its products are controversial. Critics tie its jets and missiles to civilian casualties in Gaza and Yemen. In February 2024 a Dutch court blocked exports of F-35 parts to Israel over concerns about international law.

Shareholder campaigners also say it lobbies heavily and discloses little about its indirect political spending. Lockheed's board argued that its political activities align with its human rights policy. That adds up to a low score from us.