TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 9, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has selected Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK) to develop the booster motor for the flexible, affordable and lethal Stunner Interceptor, an element of the Short Range Missile Defense (SRMD) program.

"ATK Tactical Systems' composite booster motor solution for the Stunner Interceptor supports our strategy of disruptive innovation in the terminal missile defense mission area," said Michael Booen, Raytheon vice president of Advanced Missile Defense and Directed Energy Weapons programs.

"Israel and the U.S. have a critical and immediate need for an affordable, highly effective short-range missile defense capability," said Jim Condon, vice president and general manager, ATK Tactical Systems Division. "We look forward to working with Raytheon and Rafael to develop the booster motor for the Stunner Interceptor."

Raytheon Company and Rafael Armament Development Authority were selected in May by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and Israel Missile Defense Organization to develop the Stunner Interceptor under the U.S-Israel SRMD program. The joint program aims to develop a common interceptor solution to defeat the proliferating threat of short-range ballistic missiles and rockets. Such threats are cheap, plentiful, easily concealed and largely exempt from international arms control accords.

ATK will perform work on the Stunner Interceptor booster motor at facilities in Rocket City, W.Va., and Iuka, Miss.

Raytheon Company, 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:

Raytheon is the leader in missile defense interceptors for both ground- and sea-based programs. Its hit-to-kill successes with the Ground-based Midcourse program include: Oct. 2, 1999; July 13 and Dec. 3, 2001; March 15 and Oct. 14, 2002; and Sept. 1, 2006; and with the sea-based Standard Missile-3, part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program, on Jan. 25, June 13 and Nov. 21, 2002; Dec. 11, 2003; Feb. 24 and Nov. 17, 2005; and June 22, 2006.

  Contact:
  Sara Hammond
  520.794.7810

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Sara Hammond of Raytheon Company, +1-520-794-7810

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