Lockheed Martin wins $4 billion Pentagon missile defense deal

The Pentagon said on Friday it had finalized a contract worth nearly $4 billion with Lockheed Martin Corp. to supply additional missile defense equipment to the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

The deal involves Lockheed's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system that is designed to intercept ballistic missiles in midair, according to the the Pentagon's daily digest of major weapons contracts.

The contract reflects growing confidence and demand for the missile defense system, said Riki Ellison, founder of the non-profit Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance.