$2B Patriot order for Raytheon

TEWKSBURY, Mass., April 20 (UPI) -- The Patriot Air and Missile Defense System is being delivered to an unidentified country by Raytheon under a new contract worth more than $2 billion.

Included in the sale package are digitized fire units with enhanced threat detection, identification and engagement capabilities. A Full training package and support equipment are also part of the deal.

"In the past five months Qatar, Korea and now this international partner have all chosen Raytheon's global Patriot solution because they have confidence in the world's most advanced air and missile defense system," said Daniel J. Crowley, president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. "Including this most recent contract, Raytheon has booked more than $5 billion in international Patriot orders since late December 2014."

The Patriot system, effective against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft, is a key air defense weapon of U.S. forces and of a number of NATO countries. Latest enhancements to it include GaN-based AESA radar technology for greater target detection range, power and a 360 degree area of coverage; a common command and control system; and the ability to fire multiple missile types.

Details as to the number of units to be provided and their delivery schedule were not disclosed.