The U.S. Marine Corps awarded Lockheed Martin a $43.6 million contract to provide an AN/TPS- 59(V)3B ballistic missile defense radar system for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will provide the AN/TPS-59(V)3B radar system, along with associated supplies, equipment and services, to the Kingdom of Bahrain as a foreign military sale (FMS). The contract covers costs associated with resuming production of the radar at Lockheed Martin's facility in Syracuse, NY.

"The AN/TPS-59 complements the Kingdom of Bahrain's existing Hawk missile battery," said Rick Wienert, the Marines' Battlespace Management and Air Defense Systems FMS team lead. "This cost-effective air defense solution for the government of Bahrain is indicative of Lockheed Martin's ability to provide customers around the world with integrated air and missile defense solutions that meet specific needs."

"This contract demonstrates just how much the United States government relies upon the technology and the people of Lockheed Martin," said Congressman Jim Walsh (NY-25). "Bahrain's security is of strategic importance to our nation, and the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet is based there. By providing a radar system with this capability, Lockheed Martin will be working to ensure the safety of the kingdom, along with the security of our U.S. troops abroad."

The AN/TPS-59(V)3B is the only 360-degree coverage mobile radar in the world certified to detect tactical ballistic missiles. It can precisely predict missile launch and impact points, and cue defensive weapons against incoming threats. The radar can detect both single and multiple targets, and detect and track small air-breathing targets such as aircraft. It is designed to operate with weapons systems such as Hawk and Patriot missile defense systems.

The all-solid-state AN/TPS-59(V)3B can be integrated with other sensors for improved launch and impact point prediction, extended range capabilities, cooperative engagement and joint tactical information distribution. The radar's 740-kilometer (more than 400-mile) range exceeds the range of 90 percent of the tactical ballistic missiles in the world today, and its mobility allows it to be forward-based to further extend the range of the system.

Built in the 1980s, 16 AN/TPS-59(V)3B radars continue to operate in theaters around the world, including providing support for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Subsequent upgrades and enhancements since then have maintained these radars at a state-of-the-art technology level.

Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile defense system. It also has considerable experience in missile design and production, infrared seekers, command and control, battle management, and communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, as well as radar and signal processing. The company makes significant contributions to all major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin