Lockheed Martin has been awarded $22.8 million in contracts by the Marine Corps Systems Command to upgrade and provide field support for tactical missile defense radar systems used to protect allied soldiers in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lockheed Martin received a $13.8 million contract to provide new electronics -- including transmitters, receivers and power supplies -- for three AN/TPS-59(V)3 radar systems and spares. The Marine Corps also awarded the company a $9 million contract to provide five years of post-production support and Contracted Engineering Technical Services (CETS) for 11 AN/TPS- 59(V)3 radars currently deployed around the world. Lockheed Martin technicians have provided in-field support, often in harsh environments and actual combat theaters, for the Marines and their AN/TPS-59s since 1984.

"As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, I have been a strong supporter of the AN/TPS-59 program for many years," said Congressman Jim Walsh (NY-25). "I am very pleased to know that work on this critical combat system will continue in Central New York. Our community takes great pride in the fact that our local Lockheed Martin site plays a critical role in protecting our troops around the world."

The original equipment manufacturer of the AN/TPS-59, Lockheed Martin has provided periodic updates to the system's electronics and software, allowing the Marines Corps to cost-effectively deploy state-of-the art protection for its troops since the mid-1980s. In 1997, one of these upgrades enabled the current AN/TPS-59(V)3 to become the only 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 multiple targets, and detect and track small air breathing targets such as aircraft and cruise missiles. It is designed to operate with weapons systems such as HAWK, Patriot and other missile defense systems.

The all-solid state AN/TPS-59(V)3 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 (400 nautical 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.

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