LOCKHEED MARTIN PARTNERS WITH FINMECCANICA ON GLOBAL MISSILE DEFENSE AND PROTECTION INITIATIVES

20 July 2004

FARNBOROUGH, U.K., July 20, 2004 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and Finmeccanica (SIFI.MI) today 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 to include 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 Finmeccanica each have extensive experience and capabilities in missile defense. This MOU further expands Lockheed Martin’s relationship with Finmeccanica," 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. Expansion of our cooperative efforts beyond missile defense presents additional opportunities for collaboration and will be discussed as we mature this relationship.”

“For Finmeccanica, this is another step forward towards providing a more complete range of integrated solutions for emerging requirements by our customers,” commented Nicolas Zalonis, senior vice-president for Marketing and Commercial Affairs. “This agreement further strengthens our close ties with Lockheed Martin, with whom we already operate in the development of the C-27J tactical transport aircraft and the US101 multi-role helicopter.”

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.

Finmeccanica leads the field in Italy in the areas of high technology and research and development. The group operates primarily in the aerospace, defence and security sectors.

Finmeccanica is an acknowledged high-tech leader in sectors like helicopters, training aircraft, defence electronics, aerostructures and air traffic management systems, and is focusing on further international expansion as the best way to become a leading player on the global aerospace and defence markets. Finmeccanica reported 2003 sales of Euro 8,6 Billion.

#   #   #

Media Contacts: 

Lockheed Martin: Jeff Adams, 301-897-6308

Finmeccanica: Patrizia Pasini +39 06 32473313

For additional information, visit our website:

http://www.lockheedmartin.com

http://www.finmeccanica.it