Raytheon to support Taiwan missile defense

TEWKSBURY, Mass., Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Raytheon announced it has been contracted to continue its support for upgrades to Taiwan's Patriot Air and Missile Defense System.

U.S. company Raytheon says its technical assistance contract awarded in 2008 has been modified by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command.

Under the $26.9 million deal, Raytheon will support ongoing configuration-3 upgrades taking place on Taiwan's Patriot Air and Missile Defense System, which officials say is advancing ahead of schedule.

As part of the upgrade support Raytheon will provide technical assistance including engineering and operational support services among other requirements.

"We're very pleased that the upgrades are happening on an accelerated timeline," Sanjay Kapoor, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems Patriot Programs vice president, said in a statement.

"This will provide Taiwan with an enhanced level of security sooner than expected. Upgrades ensure that Taiwan's Patriots are fully capable of detecting, classifying and engaging all known and future hostile threats including aircraft, ballistic and cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles."