The AWD will provide air defense for accompanying ships in addition to land forces and infrastructure in proximate coastal areas and for self-protection against attacking missiles and aircraft. The Aegis weapon system, incorporating the state-of-the-art phased array radar, AN/SPY 1D(V), will provide an advanced air defense system capable of engaging enemy aircraft at ranges in excess of 150 km (93 miles).

As the Air Warfare Destroyer Mission Systems Integrator, Raytheon Australia, a subsidiary of Raytheon Company, will complete the "Australianization" of the combat system around the Aegis core. Specifically, Raytheon will integrate the non-Aegis elements of the combat system and conduct combat system trade studies; develop the design of the complete AWD combat system; develop complete ship and integrated support systems with the platform system designer and shipbuilder; and develop project management and systems engineering structures and deliver mission systems integration.

Raytheon Australia was selected for the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance in April 2005.

Ron Fisher, managing director of Raytheon Australia said: "The business of defense is vitally important, and this project will have a tremendous impact on the growth of skills and jobs. The Raytheon AWD team is expected to total around 230 employees. This includes 140 jobs in Adelaide and the remainder in other locations as part of the companys important Mission Systems Integration role. Our defence industry exists to serve the Australian Defence Force, and we look forward to delivering the Royal Australian Navy a capability in which all Australians can be proud."

Dan Smith, president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems and a member of the Air Warfare Destroyer Principals Council, termed the Navantia announcement "a key milestone in advancing this important program."

Smith added, "Together with the Defence Materiel Organisation, ASC and Navantia, Raytheon is proud to be a partner with this team in what will be the most advanced shipbuilding project in Australias history."

For more information, please send your e-mails to swm@infothe.com.

ⓒ2007 www.SecurityWorldMag.com. All rights reserved.