Article Posted on : - Sep 16, 2014

Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod. A Lockheed Martin photo

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (BNS): Lockheed Martin and AEC will establish the Sniper ATP Expanded Repair Capability facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - the first Sniper support established outside the United States.

The facility is part of an existing offset agreement between the Saudi Arabia Economic Offset Committee and Lockheed Martin.

The Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) provides pilots with high-resolution imagery for precision targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

In use by the US Air Force and 16 countries, Sniper ATP is interoperable across multiple platforms, including US Air Force and multi-national F-15, F-16, F-18, A-10, B-1 and B-52 aircraft.

Designed to support the Royal Saudi Air Force’s (RSAF) Sniper ATPs, the Expanded Repair Capability facility will provide both affordability benefits and expedite repair times for the RSAF.

Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) is a Saudi-based company focused on electronics manufacturing, system integration, and repair and maintenance services.

Lockheed Martin and AEC have previously collaborated on Modernised Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor Special Repair Activities and LANTIRN targeting and navigation pods.

Lockheed Martin employees will train AEC technicians to perform maintenance on Sniper ATP line replaceable units, and future AEC support will include managing logistics and completing product upgrades for both Sniper ATP and LANTIRN pods.