CANBERRA, Australia, Oct. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Pilatus Aircraft, supported by Hawker Pacific, today announced a teaming agreement to compete for pilot training for the Australian Defence Force.

The consortium, known as Team 21, will compete for the AIR 5428 pilot training system program. This team is currently in its seventh year of a 20-year performance-based contract to provide the Pilot Training Basic Wings Course to the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

"Our team builds on an existing and highly successful relationship between Lockheed Martin and Pilatus Aircraft," said Raydon Gates, Lockheed Martin Australia chief executive. "We have a proven track record of providing a flexible, low-risk solution using the PC-21 aircraft and will leverage this experience to offer a training program that can evolve with mission requirements."

Markus Bucher, Pilatus chief executive officer said, "It became very clear after a thorough review of potential partners that the existing alignment of Lockheed Martin, Pilatus and Hawker Pacific would deliver the best overall customer outcome, not only for the Australian Defence Force, but also for on-going operational budgets and taxpayers, to deliver best value for money."

Established in 1939, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd is the world's leading manufacturer of single-engine turboprop aircraft. Headquartered in Stans, Switzerland, Pilatus is a privately held company employing close to 2000 people. Pilatus provides aircraft and aviation services worldwide for the general aviation, commercial, training, utility, and special mission markets. The company, through Pilatus Australia Pty Ltd, currently supports over 140 Australian based military and civil aircraft.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2012 were US$47.2 billion. Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation and employs more than 700 people Australia wide. Turnover in 2012 exceeded A$200 million.

For additional information, visit our websites:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com.au -- www.pilatus-aircraft.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin