LOCKHEED MARTIN PARTNERS WITH U.S. AND SPANISH NAVIES FOR
FIRST INTERNATIONAL JOINT AEGIS WEAPON SYSTEM DEMONSTRATION
5 August 2003
MOORESTOWN, N.J., August 5, 2003
– Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and the crews of
the Spanish Navy frigate Álvaro de Bazán and the
U.S Navy destroyer USS Mason made history in
late July with the successful completion of the
first international joint Combat System Ship
Qualification Trials (CSSQT). The Álvaro de
Bazán is the world’s first Aegis-equipped
frigate and the first ship in the Spanish Navy
F-100 Program.
During the CSSQT, the ships' Aegis Weapon
Systems were evaluated for combat-readiness
through comprehensive manned raids, electronic
attack, tactical data link and air defense
testing. The air defense testing is the
culmination of the CSSQT, where live missiles
are fired against live targets.
Both Aegis-equipped ships achieved 100
percent mission success in air defense
scenarios, and each Aegis Weapon System
exhibited excellent performance. USS Mason is
equipped with the newest upgrade in Aegis
capabilities for the DDG 51 class, including
Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) and
Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC).
“Bringing these two ships together at this
critical stage of their transition to the fleet
not only marks the first international joint
Aegis CSSQT, but is an incredible example of
international teamwork and interoperability. The
contributions of our industry partners, IZAR,
INDRA, RYMSA, SAINSEL and other Spanish
companies have been critical factors in the
success of this program,” said Fred Moosally,
president of Lockheed Martin’s Maritime Systems
& Sensors business. “The success of this testing
once again demonstrates the versatility of the
Aegis Weapon System and its ability to evolve to
meet emerging threats.”
Jose A. Casanova, president of Spanish
shipbuilder IZAR, said, “We are extremely proud
of the Álvaro de Bazán, her crew and the CSSQT
success. The successful integration of the Aegis
Combat System into a uniquely designed hull and
deckhouse can be attributed to the effective
trans-Atlantic cooperation displayed between
IZAR and Lockheed Martin. This partnership has
already been extended to the Norwegian Frigate
Program and will continue into the future as we
provide for the naval defense of Spain and her
allies around the world.”
Several senior Spanish defense officials
joined the crew of the Álvaro de Bazán for the
missile firing phase of the CSSQT: Spanish State
Secretary of Defense Fernando Diez Moreno,
Spanish Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Francisco
Torrente, Director of Defense Policy Adm. Rafael
Lorenzo and State Secretary Chief of Staff Vice
Adm. Miguel Beltran. In addition, Capt. Jose
Sanjurjo, the Spanish Navy F-100 program
manager, and Capt. Joseph McGettigan, a U.S.
Navy international programs manager, were on
board for the testing.
“In my opinion it has been proved, beyond any
doubt, that the Aegis Weapon System is the very
best we can find onboard any ship in the world,”
said Torrente. “Our program is such a success
that we all – Lockheed Martin, IZAR, U.S. and
Spanish navies – can be very proud of it.”
Rear Adm. Anthony Lengerich, vice commander
of the U.S. Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command,
was on board Álvaro de Bazán for the missile
firings, also. “Success does not begin to
describe the day. The dignitaries observed two
successful Aegis/SM-2 firings from the bridge
that resulted in ‘hard kills,’” he said. “I was
most impressed with the ship, the systems, the
crew, their training and readiness and her
officers.”
The Aegis Weapon System includes the SPY-1
radar, the Navy's most advanced
computer-controlled radar system. When paired
with the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, it is
capable of delivering missiles for every mission
and threat environment in naval warfare. The
Aegis Weapon System is currently deployed on 66
ships on station around the globe, and 25 more
ships are currently planned. In addition to the
U.S. Navy and Spain, Aegis programs are
currently active for Japan, Norway and Korea.
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.
# # #
Media contact: Nina
D’Amico, (856) 722-3866; e-mail,
antoinina.r.damico@lmco.com
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