TUCSON, March 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has given awarded U.S. company Raytheon a $79.2 million contract to develop a system for detecting and destroying incoming missiles.
Raytheon's proposed defensive measure is called the "Accelerated Improved Intercept Initiative," known as AI3.
The terms of the contract call for Raytheon to provide an initial AI3 development demonstration within 18 months, to be followed by production of the system if approved.
"Rocket attacks have cost many U.S. and allied warfighters their lives, which is why Raytheon is committed to getting this system developed and fielded as soon as possible. Our goal is to save soldiers' lives," said Thomas R. Bussing, Raytheon Missile Systems' Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems vice president.
The Raytheon system to intercept rockets in flight, the AI3 Battle Element, consists of an interceptor component, which Raytheon will develop allied to a government furnished launcher, fire control system, and command and control system.
"By making extensive use of existing technology and weapon systems, Raytheon will keep down both cost and risk," said Rodger Elkins, Raytheon Missile Systems advanced Army systems director.
"Our experience in developing missiles, combined with our expertise as a mission systems integrator, will help us provide the Army with an affordable, effective weapon system capability."
