More Lockheed Martin radars for the Army

Lockheed Martin will supply to the Romanian Air Force 21 gap-filler radar systems worth about $9.5 million throughout 2004-2008. The memorandum of understanding between the two parties was signed by the National Defence Ministry through the general manager of Romtehnica SA, Aurel Cazacu and by the Lockheed Martin vice-president Dennis Beres on Wednesday. The document stipulates an assessment of the Romanian economic operators in the defence industry, which will contribute to building the radar systems. The memorandum was also signed by the Romanian Defence minister Ioan Mircea Pascu and Deputy Assistant Secretary with the US Trade Department William Lash. Pascu said the radar systems to be bought were “a most necessary addition to what we already have,” as this deal also entails an extremely valuable technological transfer, to help bring the Romanian defence industry up to date. William Lash in his turn said the deal was a sign of friendship and co-operation within the Romanian-American partnership. He added the contract with Lockheed Martin would send out a very positive signal throughout the world, informing everyone of the Romanian-American co-operation and of the acknowledgement of Romania’s technological capabilities, which was likely to draw more investments in the future. ZF