The Ministry of Defence has selected Lockheed Martin UK to lead a 642 million pound ($1 billion) contract as part of the major 1 billion pound ($1.6 billion) upgrade of the British Army's Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle.

Under the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP), Lockheed Martin UK will be responsible for upgrades and enhancements extending the vehicles' service life to beyond 2040. WCSP will generate employment opportunities and support up to 600 jobs in the UK.

"We are delighted that the MoD has selected us to lead this critical upgrade effort designed to maximize the investment made in Warrior vehicles to extend their lives into the 2040s" said Alan McCormick, vice president and managing director in Lockheed Martin UK's Ampthill business.

"The WCSP will provide a highly capable vehicle to fulfil the British Army's current and future requirements. It will also bring significant job opportunities for our team of suppliers based here in the UK."

Leading suppliers on Lockheed Martin's Warrior Transformation Team (WTT) include Ultra Electronics; the Defence Support Group; SCISYS; Rheinmetall Defence; Curtiss Wright; Thales UK; Moog; Meggitt; CTA International; Westwire; TKE; MTL and Caterpillar UK.

UK Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, commented: "As a key step towards meeting our requirements for Future Force 2020, the upgraded Warriors will give commanders and their soldiers greater flexibility and firepower. Not only is this fantastic news for the Army, it also represents a great boost to British Industry - sustaining jobs, skills and capability within the UK's armoured vehicle sector."

Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Peter Wall, added: "This announcement of an upgrade to one of the Army's most important fighting vehicles is extremely welcome. Warrior will continue to be at the heart of our combat capability for at least another 25 years with state of the art firepower and electronics. Wherever the Army deploys, our infantry will depend on its superior protection, mobility, and lethality. This will be a battle-winner."

Lockheed Martin UK's WTT will introduce major improvements to the current Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle, including fitting and integrating the CT40 weapon system, as well as an open electronic architecture system and improved armour protection.

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 1,500 people at sites across the UK.