The U.S. Navy renewed a $235 million contract with Lockheed Martin for manufacturing missile-firing systems used on warships at a facility in Middle River, the company said Tuesday.
The deal extends through 2022 and could be worth as much as $356 million, if the Navy adds optional orders. The contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, Saudi Arabia and Norway. The flexible missile system can launch a variety of missiles.
Most of the work will be performed at the Bethesda-based defense giant's Middle River facility, once home to the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Co., which made aircraft there and tested them at what is now Martin State Airport. It employs about 450 people there, a spokeswoman said.
Lockheed will be responsible for building MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems, including launch control units, electrical components and mechanical structure, and for assembling and testing the systems. The contractor is also under contract with the Navy to repair the systems.