A new Lockheed Martin facility -- the Surface Navy Innovation Center -- has been opened to support development of new technologies for the U.S. Navy.

Lockheed said the center in New Jersey will bring together industry, government and academia and foster the design of next-generation capabilities for surface vessels to counter evolving threats.

"The SNIC establishes a community space to promote rapid technology fielding that addresses the Navy's most pressing challenges," said Jim Sheridan, director of Aegis U.S. Navy programs. "As the maritime security environment changes, we will find new ways to use products and best practices to benefit the sailors who rely on these systems to defend our nation."

Among the center's efforts will be the continued development of the Aegis Combat System to counter ballistic missiles and other advanced air and missile threats.

"The SNIC will serve as a collaboration space to continue Aegis' evolution, advancing modernization efforts and pushing the system to new levels of defense for sailors and citizens," Lockheed Martin said.