Lockheed Martin to sustain sensors for Saudi Arabia's F-15s

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin with $262.8 million contract to sustain sensor suites for Saudi Arabia's F-15 fleet.

Sensor suite upgrades will include Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods, Infrared Search and Track Systems, and LANTIRN Extended Range navigation pods. Sniper Advanced Targeting pods are fitted to a variety of bombers and multi-role fighter jets to enhance air-to-ground and air-to-air combat capabilities. Other upgrades will help improve navigation and targeting abilities for the fleet.

Under the contract, Lockeed Martin will collaborate with Advanced Electronics Company to perform the sustainment services for the sensor suites. Advanced Electronics Company is an electronics manufacturer based in Saudi Arabia that focuses on integration, repair, and maintenance services. The company will partner with both The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin for the sensor upgrades.

"Since 1996, Lockheed Martin has provided the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its most advanced sensor systems, including Sniper ATP, LANTIRN ER and IRST," Paul Lemmo, vice president of fire control/SOF CLSS at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control said in a statement.

Lemmo adds the services will afford the Royal Saudi Air Force with unmatched availability and performance.