TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 29, 2004  /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy today formally
welcomed Raytheon Company's Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile into the Navy's
arsenal at a fleet introduction ceremony at the Pentagon.  The Block IV
officially achieved initial operating capability (IOC) on May 27, 2004, with
the loading of the first missile onboard USS Stethem (DDG-63), a guided
missile destroyer.

    "The Block IV Tomahawk provides a substantial battlefield edge to our
warfighters," said Navy Capt. Bob Novak, Tomahawk All-Up-Round program
manager.  "It is a great day for the Navy to formally celebrate the hard work
of the Navy-Raytheon team that enabled the fleet introduction of this
revolutionary weapon, whose flexible targeting and loitering capabilities
build on the tremendous 32-year tradition and success of the legacy Tomahawk
program."

    "Raytheon is proud to provide the Navy with this new weapon with expanded
warfighting capabilities that position weapons as nodes in the integrated
network of the future battlespace," said Louise L. Francesconi, Raytheon
Missile Systems president.  "The Block IV Tomahawk is the result of the
collective commitment of the Navy and Raytheon to provide affordable,
operational capabilities for critical long-range, precision strike missions."

    Block IV Tomahawk is the centerpiece of the Navy's new Tomahawk Baseline
IV Weapons System.  The system integrates the Block IV missile with improved
mission planning and platform weapons control capabilities.  This latest
version of the Navy's surface- and submarine-launched precision strike
standoff weapon incorporates innovative technologies to provide unprecedented
operational capabilities while dramatically reducing acquisition, operations
and support costs.  The Block IV costs less than half the price of a newly
built Block III missile.  Additionally, the Block IV missile will have a 15-
year warranty and recertification cycle, compared to the Block III variant's
eight-year recertification cycle.

    The new capabilities that Block IV Tomahawk brings to the Navy's sea
strike capability are derived from the missile's two-way satellite data link
that enables the missile to respond to changing battlefield conditions.  The
strike controller can "flex" the missile in flight to preprogrammed alternate
targets or redirect it to a new target.  This targeting flexibility includes
the capability to loiter over the battlefield awaiting a more critical target.
The missile can also transmit battle damage indication imagery and missile
health and status messages via the satellite data link.  For the first time,
firing platforms will have the capability to plan and execute Global
Positioning System-only missions.  Block IV will also introduce an improved
anti-jam GPS receiver for enhanced mission performance.

    The Navy and Raytheon have entered into a five-year multi-year procurement
contract to replenish Tomahawk inventory at the most affordable cost.  The
Tomahawk missile is the Navy's weapon of choice for critical, long-range
precision strike missions against high value, heavily defended targets.

    Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2003 sales of $18.1 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 78,000 people worldwide.


  Contact:
   Alan D. Fischer
   520.794.1211


SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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