Lockheed Martin Advances Affordability For Aegis Weapons System Contract

Lockheed Martin has introduced an affordable approach that will drive cost savings into all phases of the Aegis weapons systems’ program, including production, integration and test.

The new $574 million contract includes the production of seven destroyers and an option for one Aegis Ashore assembly, which together will contribute to the United States Navy and Missile Defense Agency's layered defense system. The systems will operate the next generation integrated air and missile defense capability, Aegis Baseline 9, at their core.

"Four decades ago, the Aegis program was born at our facility in Moorestown - and today it has evolved into a national asset, both at sea and on shore," said Dale P. Bennett, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training business. "This contract represents the partnership and innovation of our joint government/industry team who are bringing the future of Aegis to the warfighter in an affordable and sustainable way."

The central component of the Lockheed Martin-developed Aegis weapons system is the SPY-1 radar, the most widely fielded naval phased array radar in the world. The team recently completed the 400th SPY-1 antenna at its Moorestown facility. The Aegis weapon system and SPY-1 radar are deployed on more than 100 ships worldwide.

The additional Aegis Ashore assembly will be built as part of the administration's European Phased Adaptive approach and deployed to Poland, the second Host Nation participating in the missile defense strategy. Aegis Ashore is an evolution of proven sea-based Aegis BMD capabilities and utilizes innovative adaptations for a land-based environment.