The two companies already work together on several helicopter programs.
Hartford-based United Technologies announced last month it would look into the sale or spin-off of its helicopter business, Sikorsky Aircraft of Stratford. Now Bethesda, Maryland-based Lockheed Martin will purchase Sikorsky for $9 billion.
Asked about the sale talk and the future of Sikorsky in Connecticut at last week's groundbreaking for a new headquarters for UTC’s Pratt and Whitney division, Governor Dannel Malloy was optimistic: "As part of the deal that got us here today, Sikorsky’s future is guaranteed for a period of time, its footprint in Connecticut”
Lockheed says it will add Sikorsky to its mission systems and training unit. The two companies already work together on several helicopter programs.
Lockheed President and CEO Marillyn Hewson called Sikorsky "a natural fit" for Lockheed Martin, adding that it complements Lockheed's "broad portfolio of world-class aerospace and defense products and technologies. "
UTC President and CEO Gregory Hayes says Sikorsky's parent is pleased, adding that "exiting the helicopter business will allow UTC to better focus on providing high-technology systems and services to the aerospace and building industries and to deliver improved and sustained value to our customers and shareowners."
The deal still must be approved by the Defense Department. It is targeted to close by the end of the year or in the first quarter of 2016.
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, says he’ll review the proposed ownership change carefully, calling the Sikorsky-built helicopters “critical to our national security. He says “Sikorsky’s skilled, dedicated workers produce the world’s best helicopters” and called for a smooth transition to Lockheed ownership.
Senator Chris Murphy says as the sale is finalized, his office will work with Sikorsky leadership to insure that Sikorsky helicopters continue to be made in Connecticut.