EMS Technologies [ELMG] yesterday said that Lockheed Martin [LMT] awarded EMS Defense & Space a contract for production and capability enhancement work on the millimeter wave radar antenna as part of its recently announced $122 million Technology Development (TD) contract for the Joint Air-to- Ground Missile (JAGM) program.
The Army Aviation and Missile Command awarded the JAGM TD contract as a competitive development phase for the military’s next major missile program. In September, Lockheed Martin and a Raytheon [RTN]-Boeing [BA] team each signed 27-month firm, fixed-price contracts with a ceiling of no more than $125 million for the JAGM system technology development program (Defense Daily, Sept. 19).
The next-generation missile will be carried on rotary-wing, fixed-wing and unmanned aerial system (UAS) platforms, and is designed to replace three types of missiles currently in the U.S. inventory. The airborne guided missile will be able to hit targets from greater ranges, switch sensors more easily and be maintained with greater efficiency.
“As Lockheed Martin’s longstanding partner, EMS is excited to leverage our proven expertise for this critical phase of the JAGM program,” David Smith, vice president and general manager, EMS Defense & Space, said in a statement. “EMS hardware will allow the missile radar to penetrate bad weather, smoke and other elements for enhanced precision strike, and to lock on to the target regardless of launch platform.”
Frank St. John, JAGM program director, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said, “The JAGM program is a critical new system for our nation’s Warfighters,” said. “Lockheed Martin and EMS Technologies will continue to apply the same commitment and disciplined performance proven in earlier risk reduction activity on JAGM technologies.”
In late 2010, the Army is expected to award the JAGM contract for engineering and manufacturing development.