Lockheed Martin Overseas Corporation and the Romania Ministry of Defense (MoD) have signed a contract for the co-production of 17 TPS-79(R) Multi-Mission Surveillance Radar systems for Romania's Phase II "Gap Filler" program.

Lockheed Martin provided two prototype systems to the Romanian Ministry of Defense (MoD) under a Phase I contract awarded in 2002. Romania is using the medium-range systems, together with five existing Lockheed Martin AN/FPS-117 long-range air surveillance radars, to monitor airspace around the country.

Under Phase II, Lockheed Martin will build the radar components and subassemblies for 17 additional Multi-Mission Surveillance Radar systems in its Syracuse, NY facility. A Romanian company, UTI Systems S.A., will provide additional components, and its employees will participate in radar integration and testing in both Syracuse and Romania.

"Not only is this program necessary for the Ministry of Defense in helping us fulfill our mission, it's equally important for the Romanian economy because it helps local industry participate in high-tech equipment production and markets," said Major General Ioan Eftimie Sandu, Deputy Chief, Department for Armaments, in the Romanian MoD.

"These radar systems will provide critical air surveillance coverage for Romania and contribute to the security of NATO allies in the region," said Carl Bannar, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Radar Systems line of business in Syracuse, NY. "This collaboration between our nation's largest defense contractor and a key European ally appropriately showcases the value of global partnerships."

The medium-range TPS-79(R) radar can easily be transported by air, sea, truck or rail and can be deployed in less than 60 minutes.

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