Moorestown's Lockheed-Martin facility will be home for development of a missile-defense system, under terms of a $784 million contract announced today by shore Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-3).

Congressman Tom MacArthur (Vin Ebenau, Townsquare Media)
Congressman Tom MacArthur (Vin Ebenau, Townsquare Media)
loading...

The contract centers on creation, testing and operation of a Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) system by the firm in his Third Congressional District.

According to MacArthur, it combines "radar, ballistic missile defense algorithms and combat systems."

The freshman Republican calls it great news for Lockheed Martin and for Moorestown.

"A strong missile defense is critical to protecting our homeland and troops abroad, as well as our allies," MacArthur said in a prepared statement. "The LRDR radar is a welcome addition to our national security missile defense system and will help to keep Americans safe."

The House Armed Services Committee (HSAC) member has also inserted provisions into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to upgrade ships carrying the AEGIS missile defense system, and to equip U.S. allies with the AEGIS Ashore system.

HSAC Strategic Forces Subcommittee Chairman Mike Rogers considers MacArthur a significant force in advancing missile-defense strategies.

"In his first year on the Committee, he's already staked out important ground on Aegis ballistic missile defense that is hugely important for the nation's security," Rogers said.

"The LRDR contract announced today is similarly vital to defending the United States in an increasingly unstable and violent world."

More From 92.7 WOBM