Lockheed Martin's 94th Aegis System entered active service today under the flag of the fifth nation to join the worldwide Aegis fleet - the Republic of Korea (ROK).

DDG 991, Sejong the Great, the ROK's first of three Aegis-equipped KDX-III destroyers, was built and tested at Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in Ulsan, Korea and commissioned in Pusan, completing an impressive on-time, on-budget first-of-class delivery. Sejong the Great completed its combat system test program ahead of schedule and the system was accepted by the Republic of Korea Navy on Nov. 7. The second ship of the class, Yulgok Yi I, was launched Nov. 15 at Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) in Okpo, Korea.

Like each of the other six classes of Aegis-equipped ships, KDX-III includes indigenous and global systems to support unique mission areas. The combat system for Sejong the Great integrates 11 systems from Korean industry and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), as well as elements from global suppliers in France, Germany, Norway, Spain and The Netherlands. Lockheed Martin worked in partnership with Samsung Thales Corporation (STC), Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace (KDA) and Navantia Sistemas to produce the full Command and Control system for the KDX-III class.

"As each new Aegis-equipped ship has done before, Sejong the Great brings forth the latest naval warfare capability, specifically addressing the Republic of Korea's mission needs," said Orlando Carvalho, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Surface/Sea-Based Missile Defense line of business. "The inherent flexibility of our Aegis Combat System to meet the needs and requirements of allied navies is unmatched. Successfully integrating numerous combat system elements from the Republic of Korea and several international partners into Aegis exemplifies our system engineering rigor, international partnerships and a demonstration of the close teamwork and clear communication among the U.S. Navy, DAPA, Korean Navy, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Lockheed Martin and the KDX-III industrial partners."

The Aegis Weapon System is the world's premier proven naval defense system and the sea-based element of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System. Its precision S-band SPY-1 radar and missile system seamlessly integrate with its own command and control. Its ability to detect, track and engage targets ranging from sea-skimming cruise missiles to ballistic missiles in space is unmatched.

The 89 Aegis-equipped ships currently in service around the globe have more than 1,000 years of at-sea operational experience and have launched more than 3,500 missiles in tests and real-world operations. In addition to the U.S. and Korea, Aegis is the maritime weapon system of choice for Australia, Japan, Norway and Spain.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs more than 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

For additional information about Lockheed Martin, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin