TEWKSBURY, MA-Raytheon Co. was awarded a $13.7 million U.S. Navy contract to upgrade the Aegis weapons system for several Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers.

Under the Aegis modernization baseline contract, Raytheon will implement various ordnance alterations to enhance the weapons system's tracking performance and missile communication capabilities. The upgrades will improve radio frequency signal generation, allow missile data downlink for ballistic missile defense operations, and enable operation with current missile configurations.

"These upgrades will strengthen the capabilities of Aegis, improving the reliability and effectiveness of this frontline weapons system," said Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' (IDS) John Kelly, director of Sensor Systems. "Raytheon continues its legacy of radar systems expertise, serving a critical role in the modernization of Aegis and helping the Navy to remain ahead of sea-based threats."

Raytheon's AN/SPY-1 radar transmitters and MK99 Fire Control Systems have been in production for 30 years as part of the U.S. Navy's Aegis shipbuilding program. In addition to supporting Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the systems are also installed in Japan's Kongo-class destroyers and Spain's F100-class frigates. Raytheon's transmitter and fire control systems are vital to the Aegis weapon system's ability to track and defend against multiple threats, including aircraft and missiles.

This contract follows a recent $59.2 million award to Raytheon, under which the company will procure critical Aegis components for DDG 114 and DDG 115 – future Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

Work on the Aegis program is performed at Raytheon IDS' Surveillance and Sensors Center, Sudbury, MA, and at the Integrated Air Defense Center, Andover, Mass.

Raytheon Co., with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing, effects, and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.

www.raytheon.com