RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) recently celebrated the opening of the Sniper^® Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) Expanded Repair Capability center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This marks the start of operations at the first Sniper ATP support center located outside the United States.

The Sniper ATP Expanded Repair Capability center provides sustainment support for Sniper ATPs. Due to its in-Kingdom location, the center helps expedite repair times, improving fleet readiness. It also generates in-Kingdom employment opportunities and expands the local manufacturing base.

"We are proud to partner with AEC to enhance in-Kingdom technical capabilities through work performed at this center," said Alan Chinoda, chief executive for Lockheed Martin in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. "As the sustainment hub for targeting systems in the Kingdom, the Sniper ATP Expanded Repair Capability will also help ensure fleet readiness."

"This Expanded Repair Capability center at AEC is a result of Lockheed Martin's recognition of AEC's capabilities in products and services according to the highest international quality standards," said Mohammed Al-Khalifah, senior vice president at AEC. "By working with technology leaders like Lockheed Martin, AEC can expand its manufacturing and repair base and service the needs of customers in our region. This center reaffirms and demonstrates our commitment and outstanding capabilities of our workforce, the majority of whom are Saudi Nationals."

Lockheed Martin and AEC established the Sniper ATP Expanded Repair Capability in cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Economic Offset Program. The center is part of an existing offset agreement between the Saudi Arabia Economic Offset Committee and Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin and AEC have previously collaborated on various defense products and systems that led to the transfer of technology to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

About AEC

AEC was created under the Saudi Economic Offset Program and is the leading company in the region capable of providing sophisticated systems exceeding the most demanding international standards. AEC is involved in a number of important national defense, telecom and industrial projects. Currently more than 74 percent of AEC employees are Saudi Nationals working in a variety of challenging technical and professional positions. AEC's Charter includes the full value chain of services for advanced Electronic Products and Systems for a variety of customers.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that – with the addition of Sikorsky – employs approximately 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin