US-based Lockheed Martin and Saudi Arabia’s Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) recently celebrated the opening of the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) Expanded Repair Capability centre in the kingdom.

The launch marks the start of operations at the first Sniper ATP support centre located outside the US, said a statement from Lockheed Martin, a leading security and aerospace company.

The centre provides sustainment support for Sniper ATPs, which perform different defence operations. Due to its in-kingdom location, the centre helps expedite repair times, improving readiness. It also generates in-kingdom employment opportunities and expands the local manufacturing base, it added.

Lockheed Martin and AEC established the Sniper ATP Expanded Repair Capability in cooperation with the Saudi Arabia Economic Offset Program, it said.

The centre is part of an existing offset agreement between the Saudi Arabia Economic Offset Committee and Lockheed Martin, added the statement.

Lockheed Martin and AEC have previously collaborated on various defence products and systems that led to the transfer of technology to the kingdom, it said.

Alan Chinoda, chief executive, Lockheed Martin in Saudi Arabia, said: “We are proud to partner with AEC to enhance in-kingdom technical capabilities through work performed at this centre.”

“As the sustainment hub for targeting systems in the kingdom, the Sniper ATP Expanded Repair Capability will also help ensure fleet readiness,” he said.

Mohammed Al-Khalifah, senior vice president at AEC, said: “This centre at AEC is a result of Lockheed Martin’s recognition of our capabilities in products and services according to the highest international quality standards.”

“By working with technology leaders like Lockheed Martin, we can expand its manufacturing and repair base and service the needs of customers in our region. This centre reaffirms and demonstrates our commitment and outstanding capabilities of our workforce, the majority of whom are Saudi Nationals,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service