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Lockheed Martin to Develop Follow-On to Shoulder-Launched Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon for U.S. Marine Corps

ORLANDO, FL, June 3rd, 2003 -- Lockheed Martin has been selected as one of two contractors to develop a follow-on weapon system to the Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW) for the U.S. Marine Corps. The contract is for the System Integration Phase (SIP) of the Follow-On to SMAW (FOTS) program. It calls for Lockheed Martin and team member Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI) to develop a new shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon that can be fired from enclosures or other battlefield close quarters to neutralize bunkers, urban structures and light armor. Additionally, FOTS will create access corridors in urban structures such as triple brick and reinforced concrete.

The SIP contract is expected to run 15 months and includes delivery of approximately 45 munitions in month 12 to support test firings that will result in the selection of one contractor to complete the System Design and Development (SDD) phase followed by production.

"Our FOTS solution will provide Marines with a capability for firing in close quarters, a critical requirement in urban conflict scenarios," said Peter Spivy, International & Domestic Business Development manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. " There are also many international customers who have a requirement for this type of assault weapon."

Lockheed Martin has more than 40 years of experience in precision weapon systems including the only man-portable, shoulder-fired weapons qualified for fire from enclosure in the U.S. arsenal. Javelin, developed jointly by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, is currently fielded and Lockheed Martin's Predator is in production.

IMI was the original developer of the B-300 man-portable, anti-tank weapon system for the Israel Defense Forces, which led to its selection as a basis for the U. S. Marine Corps' SMAW weapon system. IMI produced and delivered more than 300,000 sets of B-300, SMAW, and SMAW-D propulsion units.

With this contract award, Lockheed Martin will serve as prime contractor for SIP, responsible for overall contract performance, fire control system, launch tube and systems integration. IMI will provide the FOTS propulsion system and warheads.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control develops, manufactures, and integrates air defense, fire support, strike, anti-armor, and naval munitions, as well as combat vision sensors and advanced product solutions/systems for U.S. and international armed forces.

Nettie Johnson, 407-356-5351 or Nettie.r.Johnson@lmco.com