ORLANDO, Fla., July 9 (UPI) -- U.S. company Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) has been contracted to produce a new fire control system for the Marine Corps' AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter.

The $50 million production contract from the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center is for Lockheed Martin to produce a target sight system for the Cobra attack helicopter.

The long-range missile and gunfire targeting technology is an effort to improve the Marine Cobra fleet's ability to protect the maritime environments through precision targeting capabilities of armored seaborne and land threats.

Officials say the TSS fire control system also provides the Cobra fleet with better situational awareness through improved surveillance.

"We are pleased to provide Marine Corps aviation with a state-of-the-art precision system that will protect war fighters and coalition forces," Joseph Butera, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Turreted Systems program manager, said in a statement.

"Long-range targeting and surveillance will enable aircrews to control engagements at safe standoff ranges, with a large increase in lethality and survivability."