BETHESDA, MD, September 8th, 1998 -- Lockheed Martin Control Systems and SEXTANT Avionique have entered into an agreement to jointly offer flight and avionics systems for the military aviation market. Under the arrangement, the skills of the two companies will be combined to provide a comprehensive and integrated systems package. This strategic relationship makes possible a superior technology offering while combining the marketing reach of two industry leaders.

Commenting on the agreement in a joint statement, James D. Scanlon, president of Lockheed Martin Control Systems, and Jean-Robert Martin, chairman and CEO of SEXTANT Avionique, said, "Our two companies have much to gain through cooperation, and our customers will benefit from a more comprehensive capability and greater integration of their flight avionics systems."

Lockheed Martin Control Systems is a world leader in electronics systems for global defense, civil and commercial markets. Control Systems designs and manufactures flight-critical flight, mission and engine controls for the world aircraft and space market. Control products from Lockheed Martin are aboard the C-17, F/A-18, JAS39, V-22, Lockheed Martin, Airbus and Boeing airplanes, and Titan IV launch vehicles. The company also produces electronic controls for the locomotive industry and the emerging electric vehicle market.

SEXTANT Avionique is one of only three major international manufacturers capable of delivering complete avionics systems. The company's expertise in systems integration spans the entire avionics field, including flight control and navigation systems, computers and information processing, man-machine interfaces and displays, sensors, and instruments. The company produces avionics for commercial and military aircraft, including in the field of military transport, the C-160, C-130, Nimrod, KC-135 and CN 235.