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New Lockheed Martin Radar Modernizes Latvian Air Surveillance

SYRACUSE, NY, December 3rd, 2001 -- Lockheed Martin has been selected by the Latvian Ministry of Defence to provide a TPS-117 long-range, transportable radar system as part of an effort to expand the range of BALTNET. This joint air surveillance network monitors the airspace over and around the Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. The Estonian Ministry of Defence purchased a TPS-117 in March. Both the Estonian and Latvian radar systems will be linked together as part of BALTNET. The Latvian contract represents the first major defense procurement for the country since the end of the Cold War.

"Latvia did not have any air surveillance radars prior to this procurement," said Tom Douglas, vice president, business development for Lockheed Martin's Radar Systems business. "Now it will have superior surveillance capability from the most popular family of long-range radars in the world."

The Latvian Air Force will use the radar for air surveillance and air traffic control. Lockheed Martin will produce the mobile radar system at its facility in Syracuse, N.Y., and delivery will take place in 2003.

The selection by Latvia closely follows a contract award to Lockheed Martin by the Republic of Korea Air Force for three TPS-117 radar systems. Delivery of those systems in 2004 means that Korea will own 15 of the 117 radar systems.

The TPS-117 shares 90 percent commonality with its larger cousin, the AN/FPS-117, but also is designed for transportability and frequent redeployment if that is required. Upon arrival at a site, a six-person team can set up and begin operating the system in about 30 minutes. The antenna and electronics shelter can be transported on two trucks, or in two C-130 aircraft.

A leader in the design, development and integration of radar systems, vessel traffic management, simulation and training systems, and other complex electronic systems, Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Radar Systems serves customers including all branches of the U.S. armed forces, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Transportation and State, and defense and transportation departments of countries on six continents. NE&SS-Radar Systems employs approximately 2,200 people at its Syracuse, N.Y., headquarters and is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Kerri Donaleski, 315-456-3296, kerri.a.donaleski@lmco.com