Lockheed Martin and EADS Exploring Partnership on Global Missile Defense Initiative
Farnborough, 20 July 2004
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LM) and EADS (Frankfurt, Paris and Madrid stock exchanges quote “EAD”), announced on Tuesday that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore partnership opportunities on missile defense programs in the United States, Europe 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 MOU also addresses the potential of joint investments in key technologies that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of current and emerging missile defense programs.
Initial areas of discussion between the two companies will focus on missile defense initiatives including 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 EADS each have extensive experience and capabilities in missile defense. This MOU further expands Lockheed Martin’s corporate relationship with EADS," said Dave Kier, Lockheed Martin vice president and managing director of missile defense and protection programs. "By gaining a better understanding of each company's capabilities we can collaborate to develop unique solutions and opportunities. Given the inherent capabilities of both companies, when combined to attack specific missile defense problems, I would expect innovative and comprehensive solutions to be developed.”
"EADS and Lockheed Martin intend to further expand the breadth and scope of their cooperation in missile defense" said Jean-Louis Gergorin, Member of the Executive Committee of EADS, Executive Vice President Strategic Coordination. “By bringing together our experience and capabilities, we will be in a position of strength to provide our governments with a joint solution for a global response to a global threat”.
The current MOU on Missile Defense builds on a long-term and valuable relationship between Lockheed Martin and EADS. The two companies are teamed on MEADS International, a tri-national program among Lockheed Martin, EADS/LFK and MBDA to design and develop a medium-range air and missile defense system to protect deployed U.S. and Allied forces. Within the Integrated Deepwater System program to modernize the assets of the U.S. Coast Guard, EADS has a contract with Lockheed Martin to supply two CN-235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft with an option for six additional aircraft. EADS also will support the Deepwater program through the emergent re-engine work of the Coast Guard’s fleet of HH-65 Eurocopter helicopters.
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 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2003 sales of $31.8 billion.
EADS has capabilities across the board in Missile Defense and strong differentiating factors so that it is second to none in Europe. EADS has expertise in key areas of missile defense including: ballistic threat and ballistic warfare, system integration and engineering, command control battle management & communications, interceptors, radar and infra red sensors as well as satellite systems.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2003 EADS, generated revenues of € 30.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 109,000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the second largest missile producer in the global market. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launch vehicle, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.
Media Contact Lockheed Martin:
Jeff Adams
Lockheed Martin
Tel.: 301-897-6308
http://www.lockheedmartin.com
Media Contacts EADS:
Rainer Ohler
EADS
Tel.: +49 89 607 34235
Patrice Kreis
EADS
Tel.: +33 1 42 24 2063
Miguel Sanchez
EADS
Tel.: +34 91 585 77 89
Diane Murphy
EADS North America
Tel.: +1 202-776-0988
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