;LONDON---Raytheon Systems Limited is capitalising on the software skills of Northern Ireland by announcing its intention to set up a software house in the Province. RSL is currently bidding for three major Ministry of Defence contracts, ASTOR (Airborne Stand-off Radar), BVRAAM (the missile system for the Eurofighter) and SIFF (Successor Identification Friend or Foe for the RAF). Winning ASTOR will enable Raytheon to establish this new centre much more rapidly. All of these complex systems require several large-scale software applications to be developed. Discussions have taken place with the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland and continued when Raytheon Chairman, Dennis Picard, visited the Province last month. The First Minister (designate) Mr David Trimble and Mr John Hume MP have been particularly helpful during these discussions. Up to 150 highly skilled jobs could be created for software engineers. Mr John Hume MP said ``I am very encouraged by this initiative from Raytheon. The company has recognised that the dividend from peace is still flourishing. Raytheon has confidence in Northern Ireland as do many other companies.'' "We were attracted to the Province because it already has a complex of software companies. The Northern Ireland education system is producing some highly qualified technologists and we have been impressed by the skills available to us. Raytheon is working closely with Bombardier Aerospace- Shorts on two of its bids and we have been influenced by the success of that relationship. If we win ASTOR then over 830 jobs will be sustained and created at Shorts:- amounting to nearly 1,000 jobs in Northern Ireland.'' said Peter McKee, Managing Director, Raytheon Systems Limited. Responding The Rt. Hon David Trimble MP, First Minister (designate) for Northern Ireland said, "I am delighted that Northern Ireland continues to attract companies of the calibre of Raytheon Systems Limited. It is particularly heartening that the company has recognised that the Northern Ireland workforce has great skills and enthusiasm. I commend Raytheon's determination and hope that many other companies will investigate the potential of Northern Ireland for hi-tech investment''. Raytheon sources technology from all over the world. Currently its facility at Glenrothes, Scotland, manufactures all the control sections for the AMRAAM air-to-air missile which is in service with 17 countries, including the United States. "It would be our intention to use the skills of the Northern Ireland centre for the contracts we have worldwide,'' added McKee. Raytheon Systems Limited is a subsidiary of the Raytheon Company employing over 2,000 people in eight sites across the UK. Its products and services include: aircraft modification and electronic systems such as secondary surveillance radars, GPS and IFF. In addition to the BVRAAM programme, Raytheon Systems Limited is also a prime bidder on the ASTOR (Airborne Stand-Off Radar) and SIFF (Successor Identification Friend or Foe) programmes to the UK MoD. Raytheon Company, based in Lexington, Mass., is a global technology leader that provides products and services in the areas of commercial and defense electronics, engineering and construction, and business and special mission aircraft. Raytheon has operations throughout the United States and serves customers in more than 80 countries around the world.
