McKINNEY, Texas, Oct. 9, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has entered a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, or CRADA, with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command-U.S. Army Forces Strategic Command (SMDC-ARSTRAT) to investigate improvements to integrated air and missile defense mission effectiveness.

Under the five-year agreement, Raytheon will develop and implement a series of simulations-based investigations that share simulation and evaluation tools, software development and system integration expertise. The Fires Center of Excellence Battle Lab at Fort Sill, Okla., will also provide resources through an additional agreement with SMDC-ARSTRAT and will benefit from the CRADA efforts.

The CRADA will include analysis to enhance near space and space payloads along with their controlling platforms and their associated command and control functions; improvements in overall battle command architecture; netted radars and sensors; intercept capability; and timelines for effect on targets.

"This CRADA is a result of nearly two years of collaboration between Raytheon and the Army," said Jack Costello, vice president of Business Development and Strategic Planning at Raytheon's Network Centric Systems. "The resulting increase in battlefield capability will serve our warfighters well into the future."

In addition to Network Centric Systems, Raytheon Missile Systems and Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems will also be involved in the partnership.

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.

Note to Editors:

SMDC-ARSTRAT conducts space and missile defense operations and provides planning, integration, control and coordination of Army forces as well as serving as the focal point for desired characteristics and capabilities in support of U.S. Strategic Command missions. It serves as the proponent for space and ground-based midcourse defense, is the Army operational integrator for global missile defense and conducts mission-related research, development, and acquisition in support of Army Title X responsibilities.

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: George Rhynedance of Raytheon Company, +1-703-284-4439

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