Thales-Raytheon venture wins Army contract

A joint venture formed by two large defense contractors has won a $66.2 million contract from the Army to supply spare parts for its Firefinder weapon-locating radars.

Thales Raytheon Systems Co. will provide 3,500 spare parts for medium- and long-range detection radar, company officials said. Thales Raytheon Systems is a joint venture owned equally by defense giants Raytheon Co. of Waltham, Mass., and Thales S.A. of Paris.

Under the contract, the company will support the TPQ-36 and TPQ-37 radar, which automatically detect, track and locate enemy mortars, artillery and rocket launchers. The TPQ-36 radar counters medium-range enemy weapons systems up to 15 miles; the TPQ-37 can locate longer range systems, including surfaced launched missiles, up to 31 miles.

Thales Raytheon Systems will deliver the parts from December 2004 through April 2008.

The company employs nearly 2,000 people and has annual income of about $700 million.