BERLIN, April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --The Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) development results will enable Germany to build its future air and missile defense system. This was underscored by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Chairman, President and CEO Marillyn Hewson and MBDA Germany Managing Director Thomas Homberg in Berlin today.

"The collaboration between Germany, Italy and the United States on the Medium Extended Air Defense System is a shining example of strength in the face of today's threats," said Hewson during a speech she gave at the German Council on Foreign Relations event. "MEADS delivers the absolute best capability to protect European air space from tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft."

"The risks from current and future threats can only be countered effectively and efficiently using leading-edge technologies, as the MEADS program delivers," said Homberg. "For Germany as well as its co-operation partners, the MEADS technology development results create the prerequisites for building sustainable air and missile defense tailored to current and future threats, and thus provide a substantial contribution to NATO missile defense."

MEADS is a highly mobile and inter-operative air and missile defense system with an open, expandable plug and fight system architecture developed to replace the Patriot system in Germany. Following the start of development in 2004, the MEADS program successfully demonstrated an unprecedented 360-degree, dual intercept against a tactical ballistic missile and an air-breathing target approaching from opposite directions in November 2013.

During her remarks, Hewson emphasized that Lockheed Martin has had a long-term strategic partnership with the Federal Armed Forces, as well as the German aviation and defense industries, going back more than 50 years. She added that, "Germany's contributions to MEADS have been tremendous, and our industry partners at MBDA and Airbus have played a critical role in the development of this system. This industry partnership is exemplary."

Hewson also underscored that Lockheed Martin is absolutely committed to support planned national follow-on programs based on MEADS technologies in Germany and Italy. For the European partners, the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missile will be available. PAC-3 MSE is the world's most advanced, capable and powerful terminal air defense missile.

About Lockheed Martin and MBDA

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 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 2013 were $45.4 billion.

With a significant presence in five European countries and within the USA, in 2013 MBDA achieved a turnover of 2.8 billion euros with an order book of 10.8 billion euros. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems. MBDA is jointly held by AIRBUS Group (37.5%), BAE SYSTEMS (37.5%) and FINMECCANICA (25%).

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