Raytheon to furnish surveillance systems to NATO

Raytheon Co. will supply a tower-based surveillance system to protect NATO forces in Afghanistan under a $5.3 million contract.

The enhanced surveillance system is similar to the rapid aerostat initial deployment system, known as RAID, deployed by the U.S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to providing the enhance surveillance system equipment, Raytheon also will provide all logistics support services required to operate the system.

NATO's Maintenance and Supply Agency awarded the contract to the company.

Raytheon developed RAID to meet the military's need for persistent surveillance in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The system has infrared and other sensor systems situated on an elevated, stationary platform.

RAID is designed to detect hostile troop and equipment movement at great distances to allow U.S. and coalition forces to respond rapidly to threats.

Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems unit will perform the work at company facilities in Andover, Mass., and Huntsville, Ala.

Raytheon ranks No. 6 on Washington Technology's 2007 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.