Lockheed Martin, in support of the U.S. Navy, successfully completed Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) for Aegis Combat Systems installed aboard U.S. and Spanish navy ships. The last time these two nations participated in a combined CSSQT was in 2007.

The latest event was conducted at sea last week in the vicinity of Pt. Mugu, CA and involved U.S. Navy destroyers USS Dewey (DDG 105) and USS Wayne E Meyer (DDG 108) along with the Spanish Navy frigate Alvaro de Bazan (F-101).

During the CSSQT, the ships' Aegis Combat Systems were evaluated for combat-readiness through comprehensive surface, subsurface and anti-air warfare exercises, including manned raids and electronic attack scenarios, as well as thorough testing of the systems' tactical data link and air defense capabilities.

"In addition to unmatched capabilities against all threats at sea, these qualification trials emphasize the global interoperability Aegis provides the U.S. Navy and its allies," said Jeff Bantle, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors in Moorestown, N.J.

"The contributions of our industry partners Navantia, Indra, RYMSA, Sainsel and other Spanish companies have been critical factors in the success of the Spanish F-100 frigate program, as well as in the support of the international fleet of Aegis-equipped ships."

The Aegis Weapon System includes the SPY-1 radar, the Navy's most advanced radar system. When paired with the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, it is capable of delivering missiles for every mission and threat environment in naval warfare.

The Aegis Weapon System is currently deployed on more than 90 ships around the globe with at least 14 more ships planned. In addition to the U.S., Aegis is the weapon system of choice for Australia, Japan, Korea, Norway, and Spain.