AMPTHILL, BEDFORDSHIRE, Nov. 13, 2012 – Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill today signed supplier contracts with engineering design specialists MIRA and Ultra Electronics to support the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP).

“By entering into these agreements, we are securing jobs and providing a positive impact to our subcontractor and supplier base,” said Alan McCormick, Managing Director of Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill. “Investing in the supply chain is an integral part of the £1 billion WCSP.”

MIRA has opened a dedicated new facility at Nuneaton, where Lockheed Martin UK engineers and MIRA staff will work together on mechanical design, electrical design, and systems integration and test work under WCSP. Approximately 20 engineers and support staff will initially be employed at the facility with the numbers expected to grow as the programme matures.

MIRA Defence Business Development Manager Nigel Skellern explained: “Lockheed Martin has partnered with MIRA because of our long history in defence vehicle engineering and automotive subject matter expertise. We are delighted to be working with them on this prestigious programme.”

Ultra Electronics Precision Air & Land Systems (Ultra) will carry out work at its facility in Cheltenham on the Warrior Power Distribution System, the Cannon Control Unit and Fire Control Computer (FCC). Ultra is already well underway with the development of the FCC and will deliver the first Warrior units early next year. 

“Ultra has been working with Lockheed Martin as their Warrior Power Distribution partner since 2007. Next year is the start of an exciting trials phase and we are pleased to be supporting the activities with early prototype hardware and integration support”, said Andy Yates, Managing Director of Ultra Electronics Precision Air & Land Systems. “The FCC has undergone several iterations of testing already. Awarding of the future PDS contract will result in an Ultra team size of up to 30 people during peak periods and will enable us to secure strategic partnerships within our supply chain.”

Approximately 20 key suppliers, supported by a number of subcontractors, will be contracted by Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill to support WCSP. The total programme is expected to sustain or create 600 jobs, with 90 percent of the work being completed in the UK.

About Lockheed Martin:

Lockheed Martin UK, part of Lockheed Martin Corporation, is a leader in systems integration, working on major programmes spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors. Lockheed Martin UK works with more than 100 business partners and employs over 2,000 people at sites across the UK.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.