Global Partners Building Global Security: Lockheed Martin F-16 - The Most Advanced...

Global Partners Building Global Security: Lockheed Martin F-16 - The Most
Advanced 4th Generation Multirole Fighter in the World

PARIS, June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) vice
president and general manager of F-16 Programs, John Larson, told reporters
attending the Paris Air Show today that the F-16 continues to be the most
advanced 4th Generation multirole fighter currently available on the
international market. The Fighting Falcon provides global security through a
worldwide partnership base of 25 nations with advanced technologies, complete
multirole capabilities and lowest life-cycle cost.

The F-16 was established as a European fighter from the program's inception
with international co-production beginning in 1977, through the establishment
of the most successful multinational consortium program in history with
Belgium, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and the United States. Since then,
19 countries have participated in F-16 manufacturing, and the program
continues to foster a strong foundation of international partnerships with
more than 50 industrial companies participating today.

"There are currently 25 nations that depend on the F-16 to help meet their
country's security needs," said Larson, who, in addition to the F-16 programs,
also oversees Lockheed Martin's work in the T-50 and F-2 aircraft programs.
"We've built more F-16s outside the United States making the F-16 the largest
multinational production program in history," he said.

Underscoring the Lockheed Martin 'Global Partnerships Building Global
Security' theme for this year's show, Larson said the F-16 continues to lead
the international fighter market with 52 repeat buys by 14 customers.

"The F-16 is the most affordable and proven choice to meet the force structure
needs and security requirements of air forces around the world," said Larson.
"Continuous technology enhancements and a very clear path for upgrades and
global sustainment have allowed the F-16 to perform as a comprehensive weapon
system with over 14 million flight hours proving its safety and reliability."

Larson explained that many of the F-16's advanced technologies were developed
from analyzing the aircraft's performance in combat operations. "We took
feedback from U.S. and international warfighters and incorporated it into the
avionics systems and architecture of the F-16, keeping the F-16 on the leading
edge of technology to meet the needs of our customers."

The F-16 continues as a modern, highly capable, affordable and supportable
fighter. The program is healthy, with firm production through 2012, and a
strong likelihood of new orders that will extend the line for several more
years. Through the first quarter of 2009, the company's backlog is about 95
F-16 aircraft and there remains significant international potential, said
Larson.

Recent F-16 program milestones have included an arrival ceremony at Araxos Air
Base, Greece, for the first four of 30 aircraft to be delivered through the
Hellenic Air Force's Peace Xenia IV program, as well as the final deliveries
of F-16s to Poland in December 2008, and F-16s to Israel in January of this
year.

Several F-16 modification, upgrade and modernization programs are also
underway for Turkey, Pakistan, Jordan and the U.S. Air Force, providing the
newest combat capabilities to the worldwide group of F-16 users. The upgrade
potential for the F-16 fleet is substantial since 25 countries have ordered
F-16s to date and the aircraft will be in operation around the world for
several more decades.

"Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force are committed to modification and
sustainment of the worldwide F-16 fleet. We recognize that we have a serious
obligation to support our customers' security requirements, and we also
recognize fleet sustainment as a growing customer need, as well as a business
opportunity," Larson said.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company
that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the
research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of
advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported
2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

F-16 is a registered trademark of Lockheed Martin Corp.

For additional information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

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