Global aerospace giant Lockheed Martin Corp says it will not look to capitalize on the Iranian market thus rejecting earlier reports that it was exploring the possibility of supplying the country with helicopters.
"Consistent with US Government policy, Lockheed Martin is not pursuing business opportunities in Iran," the company has announced in a brief statement.
This followed earlier reports in June that Lockheed Martin which is also the largest arms maker in the US - was seeking guidance from the administration of President Barack Obama over selling commercial helicopters to Iran through one of its subsidiaries - Sikorsky.
Reuters said in a report that the company was looking into penetrating into the Iranian market in the wake of the removal of sanctions against Iran in January.
It said the choppers that were being considered for the Iranian market could be Sikorsky's S-76 and longer-range S-92.
Reuters had quoted Nathalie Previte, Sikorsky vice-president of sales and marketing, as saying that the company was seeking a green light from authorities in Washington.
"I want to understand the US governments policy about what can be done and what can we not do, and really clear everything with the U.S. government even before we start completing the analysis," Previte said.
Apart from working on the US governments regulatory and compliance issues, the company is also studying which of its products could be sold in Iran.
Another Lockheed vice-president, Steve OBryan said the company would approach the sales with caution.
"We're looking at it, of course, but were going to take a very conservative approach on this," he said.
By Press TV
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