FULLERTON, Calif., Oct. 18, 2005 /PRNewswire/ -- ThalesRaytheonSystems
(TRS) has received $120 million in contracts from the Swiss defense
procurement agency, armasuisse, to provide the Swiss Air Force with advanced
Link-16 connectivity for their fighter aircraft.  The funding represents a
continuation of work by TRS on the FLORAKO command and control program.
    FLORAKO is a high performance air defense and air space management system
developed by TRS.  It went into operation on Feb. 2, 2004, after successfully
completing final tests and operating in parallel with the previous Swiss air
defense system.  FLORAKO comprises master surveillance radars, a data and
communication system, a new airspace management system and new air command and
control centers.
    The upgraded FLORAKO systems will transmit voice and data over an
encrypted link, provide nation-wide Link-16 coverage, allow the aircraft to
acquire Link-16 before take-off and incorporate multifunctional information
distribution system (MIDS) technology.  MIDS technology will help pilots to
overcome the challenges of gathering data while flying their aircraft over the
mountainous Swiss terrain.
    "The future Defense System will be expanded to integrate more real time
data and to interface with more sensors and reconnaissance assets in order to
provide maximum information for decision making," said Dr. Alfred Markwalder,
Swiss chief of Armament.  "The addition of Link-16 is a step in this direction
and demonstrates FLORAKO's ability to adapt and to grow with the evolution of
information sources, allowing Switzerland to maintain a modern fielded System
for many years to come."
    "TRS is extremely proud to be awarded this new phase -- Phase VII -- of
FLORAKO by armasuisse," said Michel Mathieu, chief executive officer of
ThalesRaythonSystems.  "The success of this program is the outcome of an
outstanding cooperation between the teams of armasuisse and of TRS on both
sides of the Atlantic."
    Florako Phase VII is slated for completion in late 2008.  Work will be
performed by ThalesRaytheonSystems employees in Fullerton and Massy, France.
Swiss industry will also participate in the system's deployment.
    ThalesRaytheonSystems is an equally owned transatlantic joint venture
between Raytheon Company and Thales Group.  ThalesRaytheonSystems is a
worldwide supplier of air defense command and control centers and ground based
battlefield radars.  The company's annual revenue is $700 million and it
employs 1,500 people.

    Contact:
     In the United States               In Europe
     Vicki Boatman                       Isabelle Blackburn
     714-446-4600                        +33.1.69.75.5098

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