Lockheed Martin and Patria have teamed to compete for the U.S. Marine Corps' Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC). The MPC will be the Marines' next generation medium armored vehicle. The service is expected to release a request for proposals during the second quarter of 2008.

Under the agreement between the two companies, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego, NY will act as prime contractor for the MPC effort, providing systems integration, survivability enhancements, U.S. production and net-centric and logistics capabilities for Patria's proven AMV 8x8 multi-role vehicle.

"The Lockheed Martin/Patria team will offer the U.S. Marine Corps a superior personnel carrier that enhances force protection while still providing the mobility necessary to execute expeditionary missions," said Lou DeSantis, vice president and general manager of Systems Solutions at Lockheed Martin Systems Integration-Owego. "Our MPC is a combat-proven solution that supports the Marine Corps' current mission with room for future capability enhancement."

The Lockheed Martin/Patria MPC will meet the U.S. Marine Corps' anticipated performance, protection and payload requirements as a versatile armored personnel carrier. It will be optimized for unconventional warfare, but effective across the full range of military operations. The MPC is designed to fill the medium-armor ground vehicle gap, while also providing capability to "swim" through water.

"This teaming agreement with Lockheed Martin is in step with Patria's strategy to team up with strong partners with whom it offers competitive tailor made solutions to customers," said Jorma Wiitakorpi, CEO and President of Patria. "The Patria AMV 8x8 is a combat proven solution fielded internationally and receiving great feedback from users in theaters of operations."

Lockheed Martin's previous experience with military vehicles for the U.S. Marine Corps include the Light Armored Vehicle Command and Control (LAV-C2) and Lightweight Prime Mover.

The Patria AMV 8x8 multi-role vehicle was launched in 2001, with the first vehicles delivered to the Polish army in 2004 as the serial production started. The advanced modular vehicle is already the choice of the Polish, Finnish, Slovenian, South African and Croatian armies. It has also participated in tough field tests in a number of Arab, Asian and South American countries, with excellent results.

Patria is an international defense and aerospace group. Its key business areas include armored wheeled vehicles, mortar systems and ammunition as well as their life cycle support. Patria is owned by the State of Finland and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS.

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.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: frans.jurgens@lmco.com

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin