LOCKHEED MARTIN AND BAE SYSTEMS TO PARTNER ON MISSILE DEFENCE
24 June 2003. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and BAE SYSTEMS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore partnership opportunities on missile defence 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 defence programmes.
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 defence. 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 general manager of missile defence programmes. “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 programme,” said David Bond, BAE SYSTEMS missile defence director. “The signing of this agreement demonstrates our intention to broaden our collaboration in missile defence 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 defence solution for NATO.