IZAR and Lockheed Martin successfully performed initial activation of the first Aegis Weapon System equipped with the new SPY-1F radar aboard the Norwegian frigate Fridtjof Nansen (F-310) at IZAR's shipyard in Ferrol, Spain. This signifies the beginning of Integrated Weapon System (IWS) testing for the first of Norway's five new Aegis-equipped frigates.

"Successful completion of this important milestone for the Norwegian Navy is a tribute to the adaptability, scalability and flexibility of the multi- mission Aegis Weapon System," said Orlando Carvalho, vice president of Surface Systems at Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors. "We have now installed Aegis on five ship classes for four different Navy customers around the world, all delivered on-schedule and on-budget."

The SPY-1F is a modified version of the AN/SPY-1D radar system designed to provide highly robust performance with Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile and Standard Missile-2 capability. Lockheed Martin is responsible for system integration of all IWS elements -- including sensors, communications and weapons -- for the Fridtjof Nansen class frigates.

"All the technical milestones are being achieved and we are fully confident that the frigates will exceed all expectations," said Angel Recaman, director of IZAR's Ferrol shipyard.

The Aegis Weapon System includes the SPY-1 radar, the world'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 more than 75 ships around the world, with 30 more ships planned. In addition to the U.S. and Norway, Aegis is the weapon system of choice for Japan, Korea and Spain. Recently, Australia selected the Aegis Weapon System for its 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