PARIS, June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ThalesRaytheonSystems, an international leader in air defense command and control systems and ground-based radars, this month marks a decade as the defense industry's first transatlantic joint venture. In 10 years, ThalesRaytheonSystems has partnered with defense organizations around the world to provide protection and security to forces and assets in more than 50 countries.

Jack Harrington, chief executive officer of ThalesRaytheonSystems, discussed the strategic focus of the business at a Paris Air Show briefing. "We understand the importance of continued alignment with our customer and their mission requirements," said Harrington. "Security against a growing number of unconventional threats, particularly in the missile defense and cyber domains, will be the focus in the foreseeable future."

Through programs, prototypes and exercises with NATO, ThalesRaytheonSystems is already developing unparalleled technologies and expertise to protect NATO troops and the citizens of Europe against ballistic missiles. As announced in the recent Theater Missile Defense IOC1 contract award, ThalesRaytheonSystems will lead 11 industry players from Europe and the U.S. to implement a ballistic missile defense capability within NATO. Through the support of its parent companies ThalesRaytheonSystems is able to provide a complete Air C4I solution with fully Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD).

"ThalesRaytheonSystems continues to fully realize synergies, enhance existing products and develop new capabilities that better meet customer requirements, particularly in the areas of missile defense and cyber," said Daniel J. Crowley, president of Raytheon Network Centric Systems. "Just 10 years after its inception, ThalesRaytheonSystems has become a major player in the defense industry."

Over the last several years ThalesRaytheonSystems has been expanding its expertise to seamlessly integrate powerful cybersecurity solutions into its Air C4I solutions and radars, based on extensive experience, highly trained staff, and benefiting from best-in-class system solutions from both Raytheon and Thales.

"I see continued success for ThalesRaytheonSystems for the foreseeable future," said Jean-Loic Galle, senior vice president of Air Operations for Thales. "ThalesRaytheonSystems is not only dedicated to supporting its home markets of France and the United States, but has also a leading position in its markets around the world. Moreover, I am confident that ThalesRaytheonSystems will play a major system role for Missile Defense in Europe."

"Raytheon and Thales have positioned ThalesRaytheonSystems as a model for transatlantic cooperation," said Harrington. "That model continues into the next decade with a focus on technology, complete solutions and customer relationships around the globe."

About ThalesRaytheonSystems

ThalesRaytheonSystems is an international company specializing in air defense systems, command and control systems, 3D air defense radars, battlefield and weapon locating radars. Since its founding in 2001, ThalesRaytheonSystems has become one of the defense industry's most successful transatlantic joint ventures. The company employs 1,600 people and is equally owned by Raytheon and Thales.

Contacts:
Virginie Brizard
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+33 6 86 04 44 41

Cynthia Baker
+714.446.4600
+714.728.8724

SOURCE ThalesRaytheonSystems