CHILE’S MINISTER OF DEFENSE AND AIR FORCE COMMANDER VIEW
COUNTRY’S FIRST F-16 AIRCRAFT AT LOCKHEED MARTIN
FORT WORTH, Texas (April 14, 2005)
Chile’s Minister of National Defense, Mr. Jaime Ravinet,
joined other Chilean and U.S. officials today in celebrating
completion of the first F-16 produced for the Chilean Air
Force, or Fuerza Aérea de Chile (FACH).
“This is an important moment in the history of the
national defense of Chile,” said Ravinet, during ceremonies
at the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] facility here. “The
state-of-the-art capabilities of the F-16 will contribute
significantly to the modernization of our armed forces. It
will also provide interoperability with the F-16s of other
nations. This program also benefits our country technically
through the industrial cooperation program.”
In February 2002, Chile signed an agreement with the U.S.
government to purchase 10 F-16s in the Peace Puma foreign
military sales program. Chile became the 22nd customer for
the F-16 worldwide and the second in South America. Two
additional countries have purchased F-16s since the Chilean
program, for a total of 24 nations that have ordered the
aircraft to date.
Chile was also represented by the Commander in Chief of
the FACH, General Osvaldo Sarabia, who watched the unveiling
of the new aircraft with the Defense Minister.
“This ceremony is a significant step in the acquisition
and incorporation process of the aircraft to our inventory,”
said Sarabia. “Everything is running as scheduled. We are
closer to seeing this magnificent aircraft with our colors
in Chile. This aircraft will help to preserve peace in our
land.”
Lockheed Martin was represented by Ralph Heath, executive
vice president of the corporation’s Aeronautics business
area, and June Shrewsbury, vice president of F-16 programs.
“Today is an historic occasion for many reasons,” Heath
said. “It is the culmination of a lot of hard work by
government and industry teams in Chile and the United
States. Most significantly, it is a milestone in the
continuing friendship that exists between our countries,” he
said.
“Lockheed Martin has established strong relationships
with the worldwide F-16 team to ensure flawless integration
of new capabilities into these aircraft as new technologies
emerge,” Shrewsbury said. “This process will ensure that the
F-16 remains on the leading edge of advanced fighter
capabilities for decades to come.”
The FACH will receive 10 Advanced Block 50 F-16s powered
by the General Electric F110-GE-129 engine. Six aircraft
will be single-seat F-16Cs and four will be two-seat F-16Ds.
First flight of the Chilean F-16 is scheduled for early
this summer. All 10 aircraft will be delivered to Chile in
2006.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., a business area of
Lockheed Martin, is a leader in the design, research and
development, systems integration, production and support of
advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its
customers include the military services of the United States
and allied countries throughout the world. Products include
the F-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3,
S-3 and U-2. The company produces major components for the
F-2 fighter, and is a co-developer of the C-27J tactical
transport and T-50 advanced jet trainer.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp.
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 2004 sales of $35.5
billion.
# # #
Media Contact:
Joe Stout, 817-763-4086, e-mail:
joe.w.stout@lmco.com
For additional information, visit our Web site:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com
F-16 is a registered trademark of Lockheed
Martin Corp.
|