Lockheed strengthens Turkish connection

• Tweet

WASHINGTON, June 12 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has committed to collaborating with Turkish companies in the training of military personnel and in the production of missile canisters.

Under the first of two agreements, Lockheed is expanding cooperation with Havelsan Inc. in training opportunities worldwide for military personnel involved in electronic warfare, flight, land vehicle and artillery operations.

Lockheed said the agreement also covers simulator training services in the area of wildfire suppression.

"Havelsan has developed a number of cost-effective technologies that complement Lockheed Martin's student-centric training methodologies," said Jim Weitzel, vice president of training solutions for Lockheed Martin's Global Training and Logistics business. "The collaboration will offer customers more value for preparing professionals under the most realistic conditions."

Lockheed and Havelsan are involved in a joint project to supply the Turkish air force with various simulators for training of F-16 pilots.

Under the second, separate agreement, Turkish missile manufacturer Roketsan will supply Lockheed with single canisters for PAC-3 missiles, which would replace the system's current four-pack canister system.

"Roketsan will provide a proven legacy of air and missile defense solutions to the PAC-3 system," said Orville Prins, vice president of international air and missile defense business development for Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business. "This agreement will provide long-term capacity and growth for Turkish industry and will make Roketsan a Lockheed Martin certified supplier of single canisters."