CHINA LAKE, Calif., July 20, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is participating in the Empire Challenge 2007, a demonstration evaluating intelligence collection systems for joint and coalition operations. The exercise, which began July 15, is being held at the China Lake Naval Air Warfare Center, China Lake, Calif.

The Empire Challenge exercise is designed to test and demonstrate techniques, standards and procedures for coalition Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets, using a variety of U.S. and allied Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) ground systems. By federating U.S. DCGS systems with DCGS Integration Backbones (DIB) installed at coalition sites worldwide, system users can rapidly share battlespace information in real time.

The Raytheon team will install several key systems at the Empire Challenge to enhance the sharing of data with coalition forces and multiple coalition sites in Europe. The demonstration will improve situational awareness and intelligence sharing by bringing common and standardized data into a joint network-centric environment.

Ensuring information assurance is a key component to sharing data with coalition partners. Raytheon will protect the networks with its Raytheon High Speed Guard-Agatiya, a security product that is similar to a firewall but far more secure.

Systems integration will be demonstrated through the DCGS and the Multi- Sensor Aerospace/Ground Joint ISR Interoperability Coalition, or MAJIIC, shared data system background through the DIB.

Additionally, Raytheon will integrate AFATDS (the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System) into DCGS to perform target weapon pairing to select the right effect for engaging the right target at the right time.

Raytheon Company, with 2006 sales of $20.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 85 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 73,000 people worldwide.

  Contact:
  Keith Little
  703.849.1675

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Keith Little, +1-703-849-1675

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