Lockheed to build command system for Coast Guard cutter

Lockheed Martin Corp. will furnish a comprehensive command and control system for the Coast Guard’s fourth multi-mission National Security Cutter under a $66 million contract.

The company will build and install the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system for the yet-to-be-named cutter known as NSC 4, company officials said Jan. 12.

The C4ISR system will give the cutter real-time situational awareness necessary to carry out a wide range of missions that include homeland security, law enforcement and national defense. The C4ISR system also will be interoperable with similar systems used by other Coast Guard assets and government agencies.

The system envisioned will have significant enhancements that will enable the crew to more precisely locate suspected drug smuggling boats, rescue distressed sailors faster and improve operational communications with other government agencies, company officials said in the announcement.

Lockheed Martin has already developed C4ISR systems for the first three cutters: Bertholf, Waesche and Stratton.

Northrop Grumman Corp., which is the lead contractor for construction of the vessel, awarded the contract to Lockheed Martin.