Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems (NE&SS)-Surface Systems and BAE SYSTEMS today announced that the two companies are jointly pursuing a Feasibility Study to determine if opportunities exist for the two advanced technology firms to work together on international radar programmes for surface ship applications.

The cooperative announcement was made today by the two companies at the Farnborough International 2000 Airshow. The four month study will focus primarily on key technology areas in which the two companies can collaborate to upgrade their respective radar products to enhance weapon system performance against ballistic missile threats.

Through the study, both companies intend to identify areas where the organisations can co-operate on international co-development programmes in order to defray the significant research and development costs required to develop and integrate a new shipboard radar suite.

The collaborative effort is consistent with U.S. Navy's efforts to define an international programme to cooperatively develop radars that will be needed for next-generation ships. A family of such radar systems could also be available for back-fit into existing ships to counter increasingly stealthy anti-ship cruise missiles whilst simultaneously providing defence against ballistic missiles.

"Individually, Lockheed Martin and BAE SYSTEMS offer some of the best radar technology and products, as well as systems engineering and integration capability in the U.S. and the U.K.," said Fred P. Moosally, President, NE&SS- Surface Systems. "As we determine the areas of co-operation through our study, together, we will offer customers the best products from the two international surface ship leaders."

Phil Blundell, Managing Director, BAE SYSTEMS Combat and Radar Systems said, "Both companies are in a strong position for next generation weapon systems. We are particularly pleased by the progress we have made in our active array sensor technology against stressing ballistic missile targets. I am delighted that we have taken this opportunity to look for ways of accelerating the development of next generation Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence capable weapon systems, providing enhanced systems performance levels, significantly in excess of what is available today."

Note to Editors

Lockheed Martin NE&SS-Surface Systems provides integrated warfare systems around the world, based on its successful Aegis system currently operational on 27 U.S. Navy Ticonderoga-class cruisers, 28 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, and four Kongo-class destroyers in Japan. NE&SS-Surface Systems will also provide four systems to Spain for its new F-100-class of frigates and five systems to Norway for the Norwegian New Frigate programme. Additionally, Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract to develop an active array prototype radar as an upgrade to the AN/SPY-1 radar to counter advanced AAW and ballistic missile threats.

BAE SYSTEMS has a world-class prime contracting capability, combining key in-depth skills in naval platforms, military aircraft, electronics and other technologies. BAE SYSTEMS is the leading supplier of integrated weapon systems to all three services in the UK and a major exporter. Through its Combat and Radar Systems Business, BAE SYSTEMS is a supplier of radars to Royal Navy frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers and has supplied radars to over 20 navies world-wide.

The SAMPSON multi-function radar is under a production contract for the Royal Navy's new Anti Air Warfare Destroyer, the Type 45. Through its highly successful MESAR demonstrator programme, BAE SYSTEMS brings unparalleled experience to the field of TBMD sensor research and development. This work and the current DERA Trials programme underpins SAMPSON and places the company in an enviable position for next generation Ballistic Missile integrated weapon systems.

Combat and Radar Systems headquartered in New Malden is one of four major operating sites of BAE SYSTEMS Combat and Radar Systems sector. CARS provides Radar Systems and Radar Systems Support from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Surface Ship and Submarine Combat Management Systems and Combat Systems Integration from New Malden, Surrey, C4I Systems from Christchurch, Dorset, Combat System Support Services from Dorchester, Dorset.

NE&SS-Surface Systems, headquartered in Moorestown, New Jersey, is one of six major operating sites in the Lockheed Martin NE&SS business segment. NE&SS provides surface ship and submarine combat systems, antisubmarine warfare and ocean surveillance systems, missile launching systems, radar and sensor systems, ship systems integration services and other advanced systems and services to customers worldwide. NE&SS is an operating segment of the Lockheed Martin Systems Integration business area.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration is one of four principal business areas within the Lockheed Martin Corporation . The other business areas are aeronautics, space and technology services.

For additional information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

For information on Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems visit: http://ness.external.lmco.com/

For additional information on NE&SS-Moorestown, visit: http://ness.external.lmco.com/nessm/

For additional information on BAE SYSTEMS, visit: http://www.baesystems.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Corporation