LM radars will boost Romanian air security

SYRACUSE, N.Y., March 31 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has released details of the new advanced TPS-79(R) MMSR radars it is selling to Romania.

Lockheed Martin said earlier this month its Overseas Corporation and the Romanian Ministry of Defense had signed a deal for co-production of 17 TPS-79(R) Multi-Mission Surveillance Radar systems to operate in Romania's Phase II "Gap Filler" program.

Lockheed Martin said it made two prototype systems to the Romanian Ministry of Defense under a Phase I contract signed in 2002. The company said Romania -- now a NATO alliance member -- was using those medium-range systems, in coordination with five Lockheed Martin AN/FPS-117 long-range air surveillance radars, to maintain security in its own air space.

Under Phase II of the program, Lockheed Martin said it would manufacture the radar components and sub-assemblies for 17 additional Multi-Mission Surveillance Radar systems in its Syracuse, N.Y., plant. A Romanian company, UTI Systems S.A., would manufacture other parts and UTI Systems staff would work on radar integration and assessment in Syracuse and in their own country.

"Not only is this program necessary for the Ministry of Defense in helping us fulfill our mission, it's equally important for the Romanian economy because it helps local industry participate in high-tech equipment production and markets," said Maj. Gen. Ioan Eftimie Sandu, deputy chief, Department for Armaments, in the Romanian Ministry of Defense.

"These radar systems will provide critical air surveillance coverage for Romania and contribute to the security of NATO allies in the region," said Carl Bannar, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Radar Systems line of business in Syracuse. "This collaboration between our nation's largest defense contractor and a key European ally appropriately showcases the value of global partnerships."

Lockheed Martin said the medium-range TPS-79(R) radars were highly mobile and could be rapidly moved by air, sea, road or rail. At their destinations, they could be made operable within an hour.