Bethesda-based Lockheed Martin confirmed Tuesday that it is prepared to install a long-range missile defense shield in Turkey.
According to stories in the Turkish press, Lockheed Martin Vice President John Ward said the company was ready to contribute to Turkey’s long-range missile defense plans by installing a Patriot missile shield. Ward attended the International Defense Ministry Fair in Ankara, Turkey.
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The U.S. government must approve any contract for Lockheed to provide the shield.
Lockheed gets about 14 percent of revenue from foreign clients, according to company financial statements. Recently, Lockheed officials said they are increasingly seeking out overseas clients, including Pakistan, which has purchased Lockheed-made F-16 fighter jets.
The company did not return requests for comment.
Also on Tuesday, Lockheed announced it had successfully tested one missile system while winning a contract to develop a missile shield.
The company’s high-altitude torpedo launching kit — a tool that allows torpedoes to be launched from above the range of enemy defenses — proved successful at a testing laboratory in the Bahamas.
“The significance of this capability to the Navy is that it will enable the crew to launch from high altitudes, enhancing the survivability of both the aircrew and aircraft by providing safe standoff,” said Alan Jackson, director of Lockheed’s high-altitude weapons program.
Lockheed also announced the Air Force awarded it a $13 million contract to work on the Space Based Infrared System, a warning system that detects ballistic missile attacks.
