The US government has awarded a contract worth $450 million to Lockheed Martin, the giant American military aircraft manufacturer, for the production of the Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSCs) for the Saudi Arabian defence forces.

The Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) contract is for detailed design and planning for construction of MMSCs that will be built at Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin, US.

Under this deal, Saudi Arabia will acquire four of these combat ships as part of a larger agreement between the two countries to enhance global security and stimulate economic progress in the two regions.

On the contract win, Joe DePietro, VP, Lockheed Martin Small Combatants and Ship Systems, said: "We are pleased that kingdom has selected the MMSCs to support its Royal Saudi Naval Forces fleet. It provides the Royal Saudi Naval Forces a lethal and highly maneuverable multi-mission surface combatant, which features the flexibility of the Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship steel mono-hull with expanded capabilities."

"These include an integrated Mk41 Vertical Launch System, an increased range of 5,000 nautical miles and speeds in excess of 30 knots, making it capable of littoral and open ocean operation, and able to confront modern maritime and economic security threats," explained DePietro.

In March, Lockheed Martin was awarded $481 million for long lead material for MMSCs. The contract award is a significant milestone in the relationship between Lockheed Martin and Saudi Arabia, he added.

"Lockheed Martin values our 50-year partnership with the Saudi Arabia and is committed to helping fulfill the kingdom's long-term vision," said Richard H. (Rick) Edwards, executive VP of Lockheed Martin International.

"Through investment in IT infrastructure, training, tooling, equipment and enhanced collaboration with Saudi industry, together we will increase the capacity of the Kingdom's economy while creating sustainable jobs for a brighter future," he stated.

Over the past 10 years, the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Freedom-variant industry team has invested more than $120 million to modernize the Marinette shipyard, hire more than 1,000 people and train a new workforce.

The Lockheed Martin-led team comprises shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine, naval architect Gibbs & Cox, and more than 800 suppliers in 42 states. The LCS is the Navy's most affordable surface combatant shipbuilding program.

"This prestigious award proves the farsightedness of our decision to enter the US market," said Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri.

"Since then, over the past 10 years we have become a reference builder not only for the US Navy, but also for several foreign navies, while contributing to the development of the industrial base and of the economic fabric in the Midwest," he noted.

Fincantieri Marinette Marine's President and CEO Jan Allman said: "We have been in this community for more than 75 years and has produced over 1,500 vessels. We are proud to have one of the most technologically advanced shipyards, employing nearly 2,000 of the best shipbuilders, technicians and engineers."

"On behalf of Fincantieri Marinette Marine and our suppliers in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest who will support this program, we are pleased to partner with Lockheed Martin to construct the MMSC for Saudi Arabia," he added.-TradeArabia News Service