Raytheon strengthens Philippines' coastal monitoring

DULLES, Va., June 2 (UPI) -- Raytheon has been given a second phase contract to supply the Philippines equipment, training and sustainment services to maximize maritime border security.

The contract, worth $25 million, was awarded by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency and follows the company's construction of a new National Coast Watch Center for the Philippines' maritime agencies.

"Under this latest contract award, Raytheon will enable the government of the Philippines to stand up a fully-operational security capability that detects, deters, and prevents threats along its coastal borders," said Dave Wajsgras, president of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services. "This work continues our strong partnership with the Republic of the Philippines and our direct support of DTRA's efforts to help nations secure their borders and coastlines."

The Philippines, a former U.S. Commonwealth, is embroiled in a territorial dispute with China, which is claiming sovereignty over reefs and atolls in waters claimed by countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Most recently China has been engaged in land reclamation efforts in the region of the Spratly Islands that appear to presage construction of airfields.

Raytheon said that under the second phase program for the Philippines it will enable a common operating picture platform in Philippine National Coast Watch Control and National Coast Watch Stations in two different Philippine provinces; design, install and test electro/optical infrared cameras; continue integration of command, control, and communications equipment and infrastructure, and build a training center; and conduct communications and surveillance upgrades to Philippine Coast Guard vessels.