CANBERRA – 10 April 2016: The Australian Government has announced First Pass approval for the LAND 19 Phase 7B project as the first piece of the land-based Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) Program. This approval includes the release of a Single Supplier Limited Tender to Raytheon Australia - identified as the Prime System Integrator (PSI) for Army’s future Ground Based Air and Missile Defence capability.

Raytheon’s proposal for second pass consideration by Government will be based upon the proven Raytheon / KONGSBERG National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) capability that is fielded in seven nations, including the United States.  Importantly, this system can utilise different launchers, radar technologies and missile types for a range of different ground based air and missile defence missions.

In collaboration with Defence and CEA Technologies, Raytheon Australia will also investigate the option of the MEDUSA system; an incorporation of Australian AESA sensor technology into the proven baseline of NASAMS.

Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, Michael Ward said, “We welcome this decision as it allows us to work closely with Defence to collaboratively investigate the Australian Army's next generation air and missile defence capability.”

“The Raytheon offering draws on a common launch rail that can make effective use of multiple weapons from existing Australian Defence Force inventory.  As the prime systems integrator, our solution will provide short and medium range defence capability using in-service multi-purpose AIM-9X and AMRAAM missiles, providing a system to meet Army’s ground based air and missile defence requirements”, Ward said.

Raytheon Australia’s solution has a strong focus on Australian industry involvement and creating local jobs. In addition to utilising Australian protected vehicles and AESA sensor technology, the system provides opportunities for Australian Industry across systems integration, component manufacture, assembly, vehicle integration and in-country sustainment.

In recognition of the vital role that Australian small to medium enterprises will play in the development and execution of this program, in partnership with Defence, Raytheon Australia intends to conduct a series of Australia Industry Showcases across the country late in 2017. The purpose of these events will be to engage with local small to medium enterprises and to develop the industry partnerships needed to deliver government a world leading ground based air and missile defence capability.

“Our solution combines proven US and Norwegian technology and Australian innovation backed by local integration and sustainment capability.  Reflecting Raytheon Australia’s trusted partnership with the Australian Defence Force and its suppliers, we welcome this decision as a step towards delivering the best outcome not only for the ADF but also for Australian industry,” Ward said. 

“This is an excellent example of the how the Government’s ‘smart buyer’ reforms of the defence acquisition process, following the First Principles Review, are taking effect.  Following early industry engagement on this project, the process has been expedited to ensure that a timely procurement can occur.  This will save both time and costs for industry and government whilst maximising local industry involvement.  I congratulate the Government for its new approach and Defence for working in a committed and unified way to bring about this outcome.”

“This is a first important step for Australia’s new integrated air and missile defence capabilities and Raytheon is focused on playing a key role to assist Defence to meet its future objectives in this area,” Ward concluded.

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Media contact:
Brad Rowswell, PM: +61 402 916 935
brad.rowswell@raytheon.com.au

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2016 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 95 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5ITM products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.

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