Raytheon UK has been awarded a contract for the logistic support of NATS en route surveillance infrastructure, covering 23 radar sites throughout the UK, including those at London's three major airports.

This contract, which will run for the next 15 years, covers the provision of technical assistance, full radar repairs, maintenance materials and obsolescence management. The customer support team at Raytheon's Harlow facility will manage the contract, assisted by mission support from Raytheon Canada.

Richard Daniel, Raytheon UK managing director for the Defense and Air Traffic business, said: "NATS' en route radar sites are integral to UK air traffic control, providing data used for the control of the majority of aircraft movements in UK airspace.

"This contract will run until 2028 and will see Raytheon continue to support NATS over the full lifetime of these systems. Winning this contract demonstrates the capability of the Radar Site Services project team in delivering two previous support contracts, and enhances the company's relationship with NATS."

David Hawken, NATS general manager for engineering service delivery, said: "Raytheon has worked with us for the past eight years managing the maintenance of our radar sites across the UK and, based on performance, was a logical choice to continue that support over the next 15 years.

"The NATS and Raytheon teams have worked together in developing the support contract to remove unnecessary cost and to provide good value. The length of the contract provides both parties with continuity and long-term security allowing time for innovative ideas to be implemented. We look forward to a continued strong working relationship."

NATS contracted the multimillion pound, 10-year Radar Site Services program in 2003, following a competitive tender process, with Raytheon UK as prime contractor managing the replacement of NATS' entire network of primary and secondary en route surveillance radars throughout the UK.

Raytheon UK is responsible for the upgrade of existing, as well as development of new, sites including all enabling activities, provision of the radar and ancillary equipment, and its installation and optimization at each site.