Department of Homeland Security’s Hutchinson Visits
BAE SYSTEMS Countermeasures Facility
(September 15, 2003 — Nashua, N.H.) — Asa Hutchinson, Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Rep. Charlie Bass (R-N.H.) today toured BAE SYSTEMS Nashua, N.H., facility, and received briefings on infrared missiles and the effective systems that BAE SYSTEMS has developed to counter the small man-portable surface-to-air missiles that have proliferated on battlefields and in terrorist hands.
Hutchinson viewed engineering models and simulations – including a simulation of a BAE SYSTEMS laser-based jammer countering a missile threat against a commercial aircraft.
“We're looking to private industry to provide solutions, whether on our borders or against missiles,” said Hutchinson. “I’m delighted that BAE SYSTEMS is focusing on these threats.”
Hutchinson added, “We have to make sure we leave no stone unturned when it comes to policy and technology, and we look forward to a partnership with industry to solve these problems.”
The Nashua-based Information and Electronic Warfare Systems unit of BAE SYSTEMS pioneered the use of advanced countermeasures against heat-seeking missiles more than three decades ago; its systems are widely deployed within the U.S. and allied militaries. Additionally, BAE SYSTEMS is the only manufacturer of a FAA-certified countermeasure for large and corporate aircraft.
“By combining our proven military electronic protection technology with our expertise in commercial aviation equipment, we are in a position to effectively address these threats,” said Don Donovan, vice president and general manager of IEWS’ Electronic Warfare/Electronic Protection line of business.
“These systems represent the type of technology that we can offer as a global company to support the growing requirements for homeland security,” said Paul Clark, newly-appointed corporate vice president, Homeland Security for BAE SYSTEMS North America, Washington, D.C.
IEWS has delivered more than 14,000 countermeasures systems for U.S. and foreign military aircraft for more than 50 years.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE SYSTEMS is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE SYSTEMS employs nearly 100,000 people including joint ventures, and has annual sales of around $18 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE SYSTEMS designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defense products. BAE SYSTEMS is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.
BAE SYSTEMS North America is a high-technology U.S. company with more than 25,000 employees who live and work in some 30 states, the District of Columbia and the United Kingdom. The company is dedicated to solving its customers' needs with both highly innovative and leading-edge solutions across the defense electronics, systems, information technology and services arenas.
BAE SYSTEMS Information & Electronic Warfare Systems employs 5,400 people at ten major facilities in eight states. The business unit is a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. Other major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics; infrared imaging; and automated mission planning systems.
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