Lockheed Martin, a security company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland has been awarded a contract worth $383 million from the US Army for the maintenance and operation of the Persistent Threat Detection Systems (PTDS).
The PTDS, featuring multiple sensors, is an aerostat-based system designed for round-the-clock surveillance with 360° detection for force protection and monitoring. The tethered aerostat system provides surveillance and reconnaissance of widespread geographic areas to guide warfighters deployed in Afghanistan and Iran.
The program and acquisition management will be provided by the Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground-based project manager and program executive office, handling robotics and unmanned sensors, and electronic warfare and sensors, respectively.
The Vice President, C4ISR Systems at Lockheed Martin, Jim Quinn explained that timely intelligence is a valuable asset in order to protect high value assets and deployed personnel. The PTDS team will provide warfighters with mission critical support.
The Director, Integrated Defense Technologies of Lockheed Martin Mission System & Sensors, Colleen Arthur stated that the company provides the military with lighter-than-air systems. The PTDS is a combat proven system that provides the warfighter with situational awareness in real time.