Navy awards submarine sonar contract

MANASSAS, Va., Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has given Lockheed Martin an $84 million contract to continue supplying submarine sonar systems.

The total value of the contract would be $2.1 billion if all contract options are exercised, the company said.

Under the sonar program award, Lockheed will be engaged in the development, production, support and modernization of all U.S. submarine sonar systems, including initial system deliveries for Virginia Class submarines under construction as well as upgrades for all in-services submarines.

"By adapting commercial technology in an open architecture environment, the program rapidly delivers capability to the submarine fleet at a lower cost than a unique custom-built development," said Jack Gellen, Lockheed Martin vice president of anti-submarine warfare and integration programs. "As a result, we're able to help the Navy affordably outpace growing undersea warfare threats."

Lockheed said Acoustic Rapid Commercial-off-the-Shelf Insertion will provide software and hardware updates on a regular basis to ensure the submarine fleet's sonar systems are up-to-date. System upgrades are fielded in 18-to-24-month increments, allowing the government to take advantage of commercial information technology.