Lockheed Martin Wins $345 Million Threat Detection Systems Contract

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $345 million contract to operate and sustain the Persistent Threat Detection Systems (PTDS). 

"PTDS has proven to be a critical asset for the protection of our forces and those of our allies," said Jim Quinn, vice president of C4ISR Systems with Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions. "We will work in theater with the Army to ensure that PTDS continues to provide mission critical support directly to our warfighters."

Equipped with multiple sensors, PTDS is an aerostat-based system that provides low-cost, continuous communications and persistent surveillance capabilities not possible with other types of manned and unmanned aircraft.  PTDS carries different types of surveillance equipment to deliver constant day and night, 360 degree detection, surveillance, monitoring and force protection.

With a very large coverage area and capable of remaining aloft for more than 25 consecutive days, the PTDS has proven quite effective providing Coalition forces with real-time situational awareness of insurgent and other illegal activity. It is used to protect soldiers deployed at forward operating bases, as well as in cities to safeguard the general public.