Turkish company becomes supplier for Aegis Combat System

ISTANBUL

REUTERS Photo

Following a contract in 2013 with the U.S. Navy for the production of the next eight Aegis systems, Lockheed Martin has teamed up with Turkish Kale Aero to support the U.S. Aegis program, Lockheed Martin has announced in a written statement.

“This award marks the first time a Turkish company has been named a supplier for Aegis. Under the contract, Kale Aero will build 148 units of a mechanical system that will be used in the Aegis computing suite,” said the statement.

“This contract represents the first step in fully engaging the Turkish industry in our Aegis program,” said Doug Wilhelm, director of International Programs at Lockheed Martin.

“We look forward to building a robust relationship with Kale Aero and other Turkish companies to support the U.S. Navy and our fleet with the most advanced systems and technologies,” he added.

Previously, Kale Aero supported Lockheed Martin in the production of components for the Army Tactical Missile System and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programs. In these efforts, Kale Aero produced maintenance-critical and fuel tank structural parts. The Aegis contract will be the company’s first work with Lockheed Martin on its naval systems portfolio.

The multi-mission Aegis Combat System is trusted by governments and navies around the world.

Rooted in more than 40 years of success, Aegis has evolved into a worldwide network, encompassing nine active baselines and seven ship classes in five countries, according to data from the statement.