Lockheed Martin received a $50.6 million contract modification from the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) for MK 41 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) for three new Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) Aegis destroyers.

The contract modification provides funding for the procurement of the hardware, design, fabrication and delivery of 36 MK 41 VLS Baseline VII modules, with sets of 12 being installed on each of the three destroyers. This modification completes the procurement of the modules initiated by a $27 million contract awarded in August 2005 for the purchase of long-lead materials. The design and fabrication work will be performed at Lockheed Martin's Middle River, MD, facility outside Baltimore, with delivery scheduled to be completed in 2010.

"The MK 41 is a proven, reliable launcher that plays an integral role in our nation's defense," said Toan Nguyen, Surface Launching Systems Project Manager for the U.S. Navy's Program Executive Office, Integrated Warfare Systems. "The U.S. Navy looks forward to working with our industry partner to put the MK 41 on these new Arleigh Burke-class destroyers."

"Lockheed Martin and its employees are proud to be building these MK 41 VLS modules for our nation's newest destroyers. The MK 41 has a well-earned record of distinction in protecting our country. Once these 36 modules are delivered, the Vertical Launch System will be on 62 Aegis destroyers throughout the fleet," said Dave Broadbent, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Littoral Ships & Systems line of business. "We appreciate the continued confidence the Navy has shown in our combat-proven MK 41."

Originally designed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Navy's Aegis-equipped guided missile cruisers, the MK 41 VLS is a below deck missile launching system. Lockheed Martin engineers have continuously upgraded the launcher's capabilities through a series of product improvement initiatives. In 2004, the company rolled out the MK 41 VLS Baseline VII, a state-of-the-art upgrade to the module electronics enabling improved life cycle maintenance through a cell-based architecture utilizing commercial off-the-shelf technologies and open architecture.

Through its evolution into a multi-missile, multi-mission launcher, the MK 41 has revolutionized the way world navies think about sea-launched weapons. No other naval missile launcher is capable of launching missiles for every threat in naval warfare, including anti-air, anti-submarine, ship self-defense, land attack and ballistic missile defense. More than 11,000 MK 41 VLS missile cells have been delivered, or are on order, for 178 ships in 11 navies around the world.

Lockheed Martin's Littoral Ships & Systems line of business, based in Baltimore, is an innovator in developing naval and army missile launching systems; command and combat management systems; and advanced hull forms and ship systems for military and commercial use. The business also leads Lockheed Martin's effort in building the U.S. Navy's first Littoral Combat Ship.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

For additional information, visit our web site: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin