Lockheed Martin Announces Indonesian Radar Industry Initiative

2014-08-06 05:30

-- Global supplier identifies local partners to assist Indonesian Air Force in radar modernization

JAKARTA, Indonesia, August 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has launched an Indonesian radar industry initiative as part of its efforts to support the country's plans to modernize and extend its air surveillance coverage.

This initiative includes technology transfers to aid in the development of a new Indonesian radar industry, as well as partnerships with local universities to cultivate the workforce necessary to support it.Enhancing Indonesia's ability to make critical radar components will reduce the nation's reliance on foreign suppliers, while providing employment opportunities for its citizens.

"Lockheed Martin is committed to supporting Indonesia and its defense industry revitalization plans," said Robert Laing, National Executive, Lockheed Martin, Indonesia. "Our goal is to create a new technology sector and associated jobs to ensure a sustainable industry in Indonesia."

Lockheed Martin has worked with the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to produce an engineering curriculum focused on radar technologies. Similar programs, along with ongoing technical seminars and education opportunities, are training future leaders in the development of this technology. The Corporation also has established an Indonesia-based manufacturing capability with local companies, which have begun producing radar components.

Lockheed Martin is competing for Indonesia's Ground Control Intercept (GCI) radar program. Should the company be selected for this opportunity, it would provide significant new employment possibilities for its local industry partners, estimated at up to 2 million labor hours over the lifetime of these radars. These Indonesian partners would be capable of producing nearly $100M (USD) of radar components per year.

Lockheed Martin's extensive air surveillance radar experience can help Indonesia ensure a safe and secure airspace for both civilian air traffic and national sovereignty for many years to come. Lockheed Martin has produced and currently maintains more than 200 air surveillance radars in 30 countries. Operational around the world 24 hours a day, these radars work completely unmanned and many have performed for decades in extremely harsh, remote environments. None of these radars has ever been taken out of service, and many systems continue to operate well beyond their original 20-year service lives. This longevity is a result of Lockheed Martin's continuous investment in state-of-the-art technology and its commitment to customer missions.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.