The group that builds virtually everything used in modern combat is looking to pick up some technology companies in Australia, after buying a UK firm.

Lockheed Martin have been world-leaders in global aerospace, defense, security, and other advanced technologies for many years. The company earns billions of dollars of military contracts every year, primarily from the United States. It has also made itself a big name in the cyber-security world, providing services to governments, militaries and intelligence firms.

Lockheed’s IT division announced the purchase of UK group Amor Ltd late last week. Sondra Barbour, executive vice president of Lockheed's Information Systems & Global Solutions unit said they bought the company for its useful advances in data theft prevention.

“It's global, people are seeing their intellectual property going out the door and they're looking for ways to prevent it,” she said.

Due to Lockheed’s intense layers of security, virtually nothing can be gleaned about the details of the deal. The price is unknown, as is specifically what Lockheed were looking for from Amor. Ms Barbour did make one revelation that could mean something major for Australia’s IT industry.

“Our focus is to build capability here in country,” she said at a defence conference in London, “if we are to be successful in... Australia, we would expect to have an acquisition or two, we are actively pursuing them.”

A vague indication is often the most that can be drawn out of the company which is so invested in secrecy. Lockheed Martin already employs several hundred workers in Australia; there has been speculation over what form an expanded involvement in the nation would take.

All that can be said for sure is that Lockheed are investing in cyber-security around the world, and hoping to win work in UK, Australia and parts of the Middle East – according to the spokesperson.