LONDON, April 2 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)'s British division has won a contract to protect ground forces from air-based threats.

The British Ministry of Defense said in a statement Wednesday that the new Land Environment Air Picture Provision program would boost the abilities of ground forces commanders to protect their troops from air attack and also cut back casualties from "friendly fire" mishaps.

Lockheed Martin UK Insys has signed a $200 million deal with the Ministry of Defense to give British ground forces a detailed tactical coverage of regional air activity. The system will also allow ground and air commanders to better integrate their activities, providing higher combat effectiveness and cutting the dangers of ground forces suffering casualties from airstrikes launched by their own side.

"LEAPP is a new, world-class system that will give our commanders on the ground a detailed picture of activity in the air showing the location of allies in relation to opposing forces," said British Minister for Defense Equipment and Support Baroness Taylor.

"It will improve commanders' ability to plan and strike effectively and help prevent 'friendly fire' incidents. Battles of the future will benefit significantly from this system," Taylor said.