TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 10, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy fired seven Raytheon Company -built Standard Missile-2 Block IIIA anti-air warfare missiles as part of ongoing U.S. Navy shipbuilder trials and operational tests.

Four of the intercepts were conducted by the U.S. Navy's guided missile destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Truxton (DDG 103). Three others were conducted by USS Antietam (CG 54) during exercises at Southern California Offshore Range Extension.

"The long-range SM-2 Block IIIA's ability to engage threats with low radar cross sections while performing high-g maneuvers makes it the most widely deployed area defense missile in the world," said Ron Shields, Raytheon Missile Systems Standard Missile program director. "Our customers trust the Raytheon design, because SM-2 variants are the most tested anti-air warfare missiles in service."

Advanced fuzing and warhead modifications were incorporated into the SM-2 Block IIIA design to counter the threat of sea skimming anti-ship cruise missiles.

"Standard Missile has been the U.S. Navy's primary surface-to-air fleet air defense weapon for more than three decades," said Kirk Johnson, U.S. Navy Standard Missile program manager. "When it comes to engaging anti-ship cruise missiles, aircraft or helicopters, the SM-2 remains our go-to weapon."

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86 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 72,000 people worldwide.

    Contact:
    Heather Uberuaga
    520.665.5594
    uberuaga@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com/

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