TUCSON, Ariz., April 22, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The Netherlands awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a competitively bid contract for the combat-proven Enhanced Paveway™ II precision-guided munition (PGM) April 8.

The contract, which is a direct commercial sale for an undisclosed sum, will provide the Netherlands with 200 kits to convert 500-pound "dumb" bombs into the GBU-49, a precision weapon that has been used extensively in Iraq.

A representative from the Netherlands said there were several reasons for awarding the contract to Raytheon.

"We wanted to provide our military a proven dual-mode PGM with unparalleled capability and precision, which is why we chose Raytheon's Paveway," said Maj. Bob H.M.J. Fleuren, project leader, Defence Materiel Organisation. "We look forward to working with Raytheon as we continue to upgrade and modernize our military's capability."

According to company officials, Raytheon's Paveway will provide a number of benefits to warfighters in the Netherlands.

"The Netherland's selection of Enhanced Paveway II provides its Air Force the world's only combat-proven, dual-mode, laser-guided weapon in production today," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems product line. "EP2 provides more standoff range and more precision than any similar dual-mode PGM in the world."

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86 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 72,000 people worldwide.

Note to Editors:

Enhanced Paveway II is an affordable, all-weather, dual-mode GPS/ laser-guided precision munition that has successfully been used in combat by the U.K. Royal Air Force during Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

  Contact:
  Mike Nachshen
  520.794.4088 - office
  520.269.5697 - mobile
  Michael_nachshen@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Mike Nachshen of Raytheon Company, +1-520-794-4088, office,
+1-520-269-5697, mobile, Michael_nachshen@raytheon.com

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