Lockheed Martin has received a $152 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) sustainment support over a five-year period, beginning in September 2012.

The contract transitions legacy Sniper pod sustainment support from Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, to Warner Robins Air Force Base, Ga. Additional scope includes engineering support, initial line replaceable unit spares, support equipment and pod containers.

Specific tasks will be covered under a series of delivery orders to be awarded incrementally over the five-year period.

"Receiving this contract is critical to preserving Sniper pod sustainment for the U.S. Air Force without incurring a gap in support to the warfighter," said Ashlie Payne, Sniper program manager in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business.

"Through collaboration with Warner Robins, legacy Sniper ATP pods will continue to excel in providing aircrews with unmatched targeting capability."

The Sniper pod provides precision targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information for multiple U.S. Air Force and international aircraft, with testing ongoing on additional platforms.

Enhanced tracking and continuous stabilization techniques enable maximum tactical standoff range, allowing pilots to track and defeat stationary and moving targets undetected.

A video data link enables the Sniper pod to provide critical situational awareness information across all missions, including close air support of ground forces.