Lockheed Martin
and BAE SYSTEMS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to
explore partnership opportunities on missile defense programs in the United
States, the United Kingdom and around the world. The companies will identify
areas in which they have compatible capabilities that can be collaboratively
applied to benefit current and future customers. The agreement also envisions
joint investments in key technologies that can significantly enhance the
effectiveness of current and emerging missile defense programs.
Initial areas of discussion will focus on sea-based systems; systems
integration; Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications
(C2BMC); early warning and sensor networking; interceptor concepts and
systems; and targets and countermeasures.
“Lockheed Martin and BAE SYSTEMS each have extensive experience and
capabilities in missile defense. When combined, these strengths will generate
added value for our customers in the U.S., the U.K. and in other nations,”
said Dave Kier, Lockheed Martin vice president and managing director of
missile defense programs. “By gaining a better understanding of each
company’s capabilities we can collaborate to develop unique solutions and
opportunities.”
“BAE SYSTEMS and Lockheed Martin are already co-operating in the US
Missile Defense program,” said David Bond, missile defense director, Future
Systems, BAE SYSTEMS. “The signing of this agreement demonstrates our
intention to broaden our collaboration in missile defense as the program moves
towards an International dimension.”
Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems are both members of Team Janus, an
international team studying the feasibility of a multi-national, fully
integration missile defense solution for NATO.
Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the
development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the
first operational hit-to-kill missile defense system. It also has
considerable experience in missile design and production, infrared seekers,
command and control, battle management and communications, precision pointing
and tracking optics, as well as radar and signal processing. The company
makes significant contributions to all major U.S. missile defense systems and
participates in several global missile defense partnerships.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about
125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems,
products and services.
BAE SYSTEMS is an international company engaged in the development,
delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on
land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports
military aircraft, surface ships, radar, avionics, communications, electronics
and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage
stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation,
working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE SYSTEMS has major operations across five continents and customers in
some 130 countries. The company has 100,000 people and generates annual sales
of approximately 12 billion pounds Sterling through its wholly-owned and joint
venture operations.
