The Naval Materiel Command (NMC) of the Kingdom of Denmark has selected the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), produced by Lockheed Martin , for its Patrol Ship Program. Under the direct commercial sales contract, Lockheed Martin will provide four MK 41 VLS Baseline VII below-deck missile launcher modules for each of three new frigate-sized Danish Patrol Ships.

"We are proud that Denmark has now become the 12th navy to use the MK 41, which is currently deployed on 180 ships in 19 different ship classes around the world," said Dave Broadbent, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Littoral Ships & Systems business. "The NMC's decision offers further confirmation that the MK 41 VLS is clearly the international missile launcher of choice."

With more than 3,500 successful missile firings, Lockheed Martin's MK 41 VLS is combat proven and provides significantly enhanced performance in operational availability, survivability and versatility, with minimal staffing and training requirements. The MK 41 launcher's capabilities have been continuously upgraded through a series of product improvement initiatives. The most recent baseline, MK 41 VLS Baseline VII, features a state-of-the-art upgrade to the system's module electronics, enabling improved life-cycle maintenance through a cell-based architecture using commercial off-the-shelf technologies and open architecture.

As part of the restructuring of the Royal Danish Navy, the NMC is in the process of acquiring three new 6,000-ton Patrol Ships, which will be tailor- made and fitted to take part in maritime operations in support of global scale expeditionary-style crisis response operations. In overseas operations, the Patrol Ships will provide area air defense coverage for Mission Essential Units afloat or for Army or Special Forces operations ashore. There will be dedicated staff facilities for a Commander Task Group staff -- be it the national Commander Danish Task Group or a NATO force commander. The overall design is based on the ABSALON-class Flexible Support Ship. The three Patrol Ships will be built at the Danish Odense Steel Shipyard from 2007-2011. All three ships are expected to be commissioned and fully operational for global deployments by 2011-2012.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin