All Greek for Raytheon

The

(HAF) has awarded

a $96m contract to supply the Advanced Self-Protection Integrated Suite (ASPIS) of electronic warfare equipment for its F-16 aircraft fleet.

The award represents phase one of a two-phase contract that calls for 33 systems as well as support equipment and services. Work on the phase one program began in July 2006 with final deliveries due by April 2009.

This contract follows a $242m 2003 award for Raytheon to produce 60 ASPIS II suites, an enhanced version of the original ASPIS system. The new contract is also for ASPIS II systems and is intended to equip HAF F-16 Block 52+ aircraft.

The ASPIS suite consists of the ALR-93(V) threat warning system, ALQ-187 jammer, and ALE-47 chaff/flare dispenser. Raytheon's EW Systems organisation is the prime contractor and systems integrator. Other team members include Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division, BAE Systems and international subcontractors.