Raytheon, EUROSAM head-to-head in Polish missile contract bid

Raytheon with its Patriot air defense system has been chosen as a final contender in Poland's WISLA missile defense project.

The selection of Raytheon by Poland's Armaments Inspectorate follows the conclusion of a "technical dialogue" by the government that established detailed tactical and technical requirements for the new medium-range air and missile defense system.

The system needed for the project was one that is currently operational, deployed by NATO countries and one which would involve Polish industry in manufacturing, servicing and continued modernization of the system.

"We are very pleased to be selected as a final contender for Poland's WISLA program," said Dan Crowley, president, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. "We are moving ahead to provide Poland with the most advanced air and missile defense system in use today by 12 countries around the world and look forward to partnering with Polish industry to build the next generation Patriot system."

Raytheon's competitor for the missile system contract is the EUROSAM consortium -- composed of Thales and MBDA- France -- which is offering their SAMP/T system.

Raytheon gave no details as to when a contract may be issued by Poland.