ITT Exelis, Cassidian And EADS Unite To Develop Advanced EW System

Defense majors ITT Exelis, EADS North America and Cassidian will join forces to develop enhanced electronic warfare solutions with a wide focus on aircraft survivability equipment. The three companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 10 at Farnborough 2012 to combine their respective capabilities in an effort to target global opportunities. The first project together is expected to be a missile approach warning solution for the U.S. Air National Guard. “This agreement will help our companies, each with complementary electronic warfare systems, grow in new markets,” said Rich Sorelle, acting president of the Exelis Electronic Systems division. “Cassidian will bring its distinctive products to the U.S. with partners that understand the American defense market, and Exelis will benefit from Cassidian’s knowledge of European defense platforms, as well as its marketing reach in Europe, Asia and Africa”. "Cassidian capitalizes on a long-standing experience in sophisticated electronic warfare systems," explained Elmar Compans, head of Cassidian Sensors & Electronic Warfare. "As proven by our track record in this area, our skills, combined with the complementary expertise that Exelis brings, will result in optimal, cost-efficient protection solutions for our customers". ”We know what it takes to be a successful prime contractor to the U.S. government, and will continue to bring a wide range of EADS capabilities to the Department of Defense,” said Sean O’Keefe, CEO of EADS North America. “As a U.S. company, we can be closer to our customers and help align Cassidian with American defense requirements and regulations.”