Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) opened a Rapid Fielding Center that streamlines development, testing and prototype production of defense systems for U.S. government customers, according to a company statement.

The facility uses production and prototyping technologies to develop and scale new capabilities in response to government acquisition schedules. The center is integrated with the manufacturing floor, providing access to production equipment and skilled workers for immediate design feedback.

The company stated that prototypes that previously required years of development can now be designed, fabricated and validated within months. The modular layout can be reconfigured to meet program needs and optimize manufacturing flow before handoff to final-production sites.

"From concept to low-rate production, we can now deliver mission-critical solutions in a fraction of the traditional timeline," said Randy Crites, vice president of Lockheed Martin Advanced Programs.

Lockheed Martin has invested more than $7 billion since 2017 to expand capacity for priority systems, including approximately $2 billion for munitions production. The company plans a multibillion-dollar investment over the next three years to expand production and build or modernize more than 20 facilities in Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Massachusetts and Texas.

Mike Patton, vice president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Operations, said teams will work with U.S. partners to execute prototype runs, integrate technologies and transition capabilities to full-rate production.