According to official reports, U. S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin Monday announced the appointment of a new head of its Aeronautics unit and other executive leadership changes.

Lockheed Martin named Dan Crowley as its Aeronautics chief operating officer following his success with the company's F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft program. Crowley was the executive vice president and general manager of the F-35 program during the critical development phases as the program transitioned into production.

It was reported that top authorities at Lockheed Martin announced two additional changes to the executive level of the company with the selection of Larry Lawson as the new executive vice president and general manager of the F-35 program who replaces Crowley and the appointment of George Shultz as vice president and general manager for the F-22 Raptor aircraft program.

Ralph Heath, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics executive vice president, said in a statement, "We are at an inflection point in our company with our F-35 Lightning II program and a number of other business endeavors."

The leadership changes to the multibillion-dollar defense programs were part of an effort to anticipate future company growth, Lockheed Martin said. (With Inputs from Agencies)