Lockheed Martin in support of the U.S. Navy and the crews of the U.S. Navy destroyers USS Halsey (DDG-97) and USS Howard (DDG-83) and the Spanish Navy frigate Blas de Lezo (F-103) continued the international Aegis success story by completing a three-ship international 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 comprehensive surface, subsurface and anti-air warfare exercises, including manned raids and electronic attack scenarios, as well as through testing of the systems' tactical data link and air defense capabilities. The air defense testing was the culmination of the CSSQT, where the three ships successfully engaged more than a dozen missile targets.

"The achievements recorded over these last several months were truly remarkable and will resonate for years to come," said Mike Roth, the Navy's CSSQT project officer, describing the CSSQT preparations and final results.

"In addition to unmatched capabilities against all threats at sea, these qualification trials emphasize the global interoperability Aegis provides the U.S. Navy and its allies," said Orlando Carvalho, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Maritime System & Sensors in Moorestown. "The contributions of our industry partners Navantia, FABA, INDRA, RYMSA, SAINSEL and other Spanish companies have been critical factors in the success of the Spanish F-100 frigate program, as well as in the support of the international fleet of Aegis-equipped ships."

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 more than 75 ships around the globe with 30 more ships planned. In addition to the U.S., Spain and Australia, which selected Aegis for its new Air Warfare Destroyer program, Aegis is the weapon system of choice for Japan, Korea, and Norway.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 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