TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 7, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company has delivered its 500th Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM). Final assembly and testing of the missile occurred at Raytheon's all-up-round facility in Camden, Ark.

"ESSM provides effective and affordable fleet defense for the U.S. Navy and our allies around the world," said Brent Holtzen, Raytheon's ESSM program manager. "This delivery is a key event in the program's history and is an important milestone for us."

ESSM provides increased battlespace protection against high-speed, highly maneuverable anti-ship cruise missiles. The U.S. Navy and allied navies have deployed ESSM for local area and ship self defense.

ESSM is an international cooperative upgrade of the RIM-7 SeaSparrow Missile. Raytheon leads a highly capable, international team of world-class companies involved in ESSM development and production. The first production ESSM was delivered in 2002.

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2005 sales of $21.9 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.

Note to editors: The countries that comprise the ESSM consortium are the United States, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Turkey.

  Contact:
  John Patterson
  520.794.4559

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: John Patterson of Raytheon Company, +1-520-794-4559

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