Lockheed Martin's will open a repair center in Riyadh to support its advanced targeting pods (ATPs) working in the region, thanks to a new partnership with Advanced Electronics Co. (AEC).
A targeting pod is a set of tools used to identify targets, guide weapons to the those targets, and other military operations. The new support center in Riyadh will help improve repair times specifically for Lockheed Martin's Sniper ATP pods, which the company says provide exceptional air-to-air and air-to-ground control.
"We are proud to partner with AEC to enhance in-Kingdom technical capabilities through work performed at this center," Chief Executive for Lockheed Martin in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Alan Chinoda said. "As the sustainment hub for targeting systems in the Kingdom, the Sniper ATP Expanded Repair Capability will also help ensure fleet readiness."
The new support center is Lockheed Martin's first outside of the U.S. The deal was brokered under the company's existing agreement with the Saudi government under the Saudi Arabia Economic Offset Program that incentivizes companies to bring technology to the Kingdom. Investments like it are meant to be a boon to the local Saudi workforce and economy that also demonstrate Saudi Arabia as a viable host for foreign industrial investment.
"This Expanded Repair Capability center at AEC is a result of Lockheed Martin's recognition of the AEC's capabilities in products and services according to the highest international quality standards," AEC SVP Mohammed Al-Khalifah said. "By working with technology leaders like Lockheed Martin, AEC can expand its manufacturing and repair base and service the needs of customers in our region. This center reaffirms and demonstrates our commitment and outstanding capabilities of our workforce, the majority of whom are Saudi nationals."
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