Defense bill could boost Troy projects
Published 9:16 pm Tuesday, September 14, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Defense Appropriations Bill that cleared a U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Tuesday contained more than $1.9 billion in funding for missiles produced at Lockheed Martin’s Troy Operations Center, according to U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.)
Shelby, a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, said the bill contained important funding for projects in the Wiregrass area, including those in Troy. Following the subcommittee action, the bill goes to the full committee for consideration.
“The funding approved by the Subcommittee will support critical defense-related programs that strengthen our national security,” Shelby said in a statement. “These programs are vital to the stability of our nation’s military infrastructure and readiness, and the Subcommittee’s approval demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the safety of our citizens and the strength of our military.”
According to Shelby’s release, the bill contains funding for the following Troy-based projects:
• Javelin Missile – $163.7 million
Javelin is a portable missile that is utilized to defeat tanks and other heavy armor in the battlefield. This capability enables soldiers to have the highest firepower possible at their disposal.
“The Defense Appropriations bill includes $163.7 million to procure 715 Javelin missiles for the Army,” Shelby said. “Javelin missiles give our ground forces a critical tactical fire capability. Produced in Troy, these missiles keep our servicemembers safe and are an invaluable asset to our military operations.”
• Hellfire Missile – $1.6 billion
Hellfire is utilized for attack capability for the advanced aviation fleet. This missile will defeat heavily armored equipment our enemies may employ.
“Hellfire missiles, produced in Troy, help to ensure that our military aviators are the best equipped warriors in the sky,” Shelby said.
• Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) – $215.8 million
JASSM is an air to surface cruise missile that is guided by an infrared seeker in flight. The Air Force manages this program and is expected to buy approximately 171 of these missiles. JASSM is produced in Troy.
“The bill provides funding for the procurement of JASSM for the Air Force and the Navy,” said Shelby. “This long-range missile system is designed to destroy high-value, well-defended targets while its significant standoff range keeps our warfighters out of danger from enemy air defense systems.”