Lockheed Martin and the crews of the Spanish Navy frigate Almirante Juan De Borbon (F-102) and the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG-91) continued the international Aegis success story by completing the second joint Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) last week. This CSSQT, conducted off the California coast, is part of a planned series of four joint tests between Spain and the United States.

During the CSSQT, the ships' Aegis Combat Systems were evaluated for combat-readiness through Surface, Subsurface and comprehensive Anti-Air Warfare exercises including manned raids, electronic attack, tactical data link and air defense testing. The air defense testing was the culmination of the CSSQT, where live missiles were fired against live targets.

"Bringing these two ships together at this critical stage of their transition to the fleet is an incredible example of continuing international teamwork and interoperability," said Fred Moosally, president of Lockheed Martin's Maritime Systems & Sensors business. "The contributions of our industry partners IZAR, FABA, INDRA, RYMSA, SAINSEL and other Spanish companies have been critical factors in the success of this first Aegis Frigate program."

"We are building a story of success and our ships are showing their immense potential," said Juan Pedro Gomez, president of IZAR. "Joint cooperation has been the key for the development of state-of-the-art and cost- effective surface combatants"

The Aegis Weapon System includes the SPY-1 radar, the Navy's most advanced computer-controlled radar system. When paired with the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, it is capable of delivering missiles for every mission and threat environment in naval warfare. The Aegis Weapon System is currently deployed on 76 ships on station around the globe with 31 more ships planned. In addition to the U.S. and Spain, Aegis is the weapon system of choice for Japan, Korea, and Norway. Recently, Australia selected Aegis for its new Air Warfare Destroyer program.

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