Markland Technologies (fka MKLD)

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Markland Developing Next-Generation Technologies to Provide Early Detection of Suicide Bombers

Company's Development Program Creating Multiple Solutions to Stop Terrorists and Armed Assailants

RIDGEFIELD, Conn., Jan 7, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Markland Technologies, Inc. ( MRKL ), a defense and homeland security company transforming advanced laboratory technology into real-world products, has announced successful test reviews of its suite of next-generation electronic imaging and other detection solutions to spot suicide bombers and other armed terrorists before they can carry out their attacks. The announcement was made by Robert Tarini, Chairman and CEO of Markland.

The initial development and testing phases of the suicide bomber detection systems have been conducted under contract with the U.S. Army. Markland subsidiary EOIR Technologies has kept the technology on a fast-track development cycle, and upon receipt of subsequent rounds of Department of Defense funding, believes it will be able to quickly deliver live, field-ready systems.

"Army leaders have made it clear that the development of more effective technologies and methods to stop suicide bombers is a top priority, and Markland has responded with an approach that we believe will yield the best results in the shortest possible time," said Mr. Tarini.

While the military has funded development of the suicide bomber detection systems, Markland expects the products and technologies will also be employed in civilian settings in the United States, such as at federal buildings, shopping areas, sporting events and other potential terrorist targets. "We hope that such attacks don't occur on American soil, but we cannot ignore the risk," said Mr. Tarini. "We believe our products will eventually provide an additional measure of security for innocent civilians in the U.S. and abroad."

Markland has developed a unique three-tiered screening system that combines a range of existing thermal imaging and other advanced sensor technology with new Markland-developed software analysis techniques. Together, they generate detection capabilities, which the company believes can be significantly more powerful than could be achieved by any single system.

"When all of these different detection technologies are integrated into a single, unified solution, the system can attain an extremely high level of accuracy in the detection of potential threats with a relatively low rate of false alarms," said Mr. Tarini. Approximately ten different detection technologies comprise the Markland suicide detection protocols, among them: thermal and electromagnetic sensors and imaging systems, vapor sensors, metal and chemical detection processes to spot firearms and explosives, and systems that can identify biological, radiological and other threats. Most of the individual systems are already proven through longtime use by the military and in civilian implementations around the world, contributing to the Markland system's robustness and dependability.

One of the most important elements of the entire protocol is Markland's proprietary "stand-off" detection system - detection technologies capable of identifying potential threats at far greater distances than had previously been achieved. Precise distances are classified by the military, but such long range detection is a critical part of identifying and stopping dangerous individuals before they can reach their targets and cause bloodshed.

Suicide bombings and other types of armed terrorist attacks are a daily danger for innocent civilians and official personnel in many nations around the world. U.S. troops in Iraq last month suffered heavy casualties in a suicide bombing attack on a dining facility, and they continue to face such deadly threats at traffic checkpoints and in crowded public areas.

Markland's EOIR subsidiary currently holds a five-year omnibus contract with the U.S. Army's Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD), one of the military's most advanced research and development arms. The ongoing five-year omnibus contract may potentially provide a maximum ceiling amount of up to $80 million in fiscal year revenues for Markland. The contract has a potential value of approximately $406 million over the life of the contract.

About Markland Technologies

Markland Technologies, Inc. is committed to setting next-generation standards in defense and security through the provision of innovative emerging technologies and expert services. The Company is engaged in the identification of advanced technologies currently under development in laboratories, universities and in private industry, and in the transformation of those technologies into next-generation products. Markland's solutions support military, law enforcement and homeland security personnel to protect the nation's citizens, borders and critical infrastructure assets from the threat of terrorism and other dangers. Through strategic development, Markland focuses on the creation of dual-use technology and products with applications in both the defense market and civilian homeland security and law enforcement fields. The Company is a Board Member of the Homeland Security Industries Association, and is a featured Company on HomelandDefenseStocks.com; additional details can be viewed at http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com/Companies/MarklandTech. For more information about the Company and its products, please visit the Markland home page at http://www.marklandtech.com.

Markland Technologies, Inc is a featured Company on http://www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com, a service for which Markland compensates the provider.

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SOURCE: Markland Technologies, Inc.

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