The Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter team today enthusiastically welcomed the announcement of Canada's participation in the JSF program. Canada joins JSF in the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the program, enabling the country to influence elements of the JSF design.

Canada represents the first international JSF commitment outside the United Kingdom. The move signals growing support for the JSF program, which was conceived as a global effort more than five years ago, and is expected to provide the backbone of the world's multi-role fighter infrastructure for the next 30 to 40 years.

Its decision to participate in the program opens doors for Canada's industries to participate in advanced-technology development activities that are hallmarks of the JSF program.

"A foundation of this program, envisioned several years ago, is its international character," said Dain M. Hancock, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, a business area of Lockheed Martin Corporation . "By joining the Systems Development and Demonstration phase, Canada strengthens the global nature of the program and further validates the concept of the F-35 as a highly interoperable, common defense asset for multiple allies. This is exceedingly good news for our country, for the program and for the growing number of participants."

Lockheed Martin JSF Executive Vice President and General Manager Tom Burbage added that the international participation also contributes to economies of scale, which will keep the JSF at an affordable cost, both in flyaway and support costs, over the life of the program.

"Our 'best-value' approach means Canadian industry will not only join the Lockheed Martin industrial team, but will also contribute to maintaining the viability of the JSF program," Burbage said.

Other countries currently considering participation in the JSF program include the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Denmark and Turkey.

The next-generation JSF is a stealthy (radar-evading), supersonic multi- role fighter designed to meet the U.S. government's requirements for a new generation of transformational weapons. The single-engine JSF will be manufactured in three versions: a conventional-takeoff-and-landing (CTOL) variant for the U.S. Air Force, an aircraft-carrier version (CV) for the U.S. Navy, and a short-takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) version for the U.S. Marine Corps. The United Kingdom is evaluating both the STOVL and CV versions. Most international interest is expected to focus on the CTOL model.

Lockheed Martin is developing the JSF in conjunction with its principal partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE SYSTEMS.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, C-5, C-27J, C-130, P-3 and U-2.

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

For information on Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, visit: http://www.lmaeronautics.com/

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company