Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division (Hall 1, Stand C101) is no stranger to the Middle East, and Jordan in particular. The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) operate several important products from the company, such as the Javelin anti-armour weapon (a joint venture with Raytheon), the HIMARS wheeled multiple-launch rocket system, and the Sniper targeting pod carried by the JAF’s F16s.
LM MFC also supplies the Hell fire missiles that arm the Special Operations Command’s new AC235 gunships.
With numerous other important customers in the Middle East, LM MFC sees the region as a very important market for its products, from high-altitude air defence systems such as THAAD to light weapons.
Several developments are also under way that could have regional application, such as the Javelin missile, which is being developed with extended range and an uncooled seeker and the DAGR (direct attack guided rocket), a laser-guided adaptation of the unguided Hydra 2.75in rocket.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control has a much broader remit than its name might suggest, covering segments such as space and vehicles. e latter activity is mainly conducted at the company’s facility at Ampthill in the UK. One of the main prospects is the US Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) for a vehicle to replace the ubiquitous HMMWV ‘Hummer’, where it is in competition with Oshkosh and AMG.
Lockheed Martin’s JLTV candidate is currently undergoing exhaustive tests and was the first of the three to surpass 100,000 miles, a feat achieved last month.
Next month, firing trials are to be undertaken with an integrated Hell fire/DAGR launcher on a pedestal mount.
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