Article Posted on : - Feb 05, 2009

Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) System provides early detection and tracking during the boost phase, midcourse target discrimination, precision intercept and destruction of inbound ICBMs through force of hit-to-kill technology. Boeing image

NEW YORK (BNS): The US has awarded Boeing, a year-long $250 million Missile Defence Agency (MDA) contract for Ground-based Midcourse Defence (GMD) maintenance and operations support. This contract ensures that America’s only defence against long-range ballistic missiles remains ready for operational service.

The contract, awarded on Monday last, includes an option for 2010 and covers operator and maintainer training, supply chain services, on-site engineering support and technical data development too.

Terry Kunkel, director, GMD Operations and Sustainment for Boeing said that the company has led the missile defence industry team from inception to operation. “This contract recognises the GMD team’s unmatched performance and builds upon the progress of this vital national security programme,” Kunkel said.

“We rely on talent from across Boeing and our industry teammates to bring the best value, the lowest risk and highest performance to our customer. With 11 performance-based logistics programmes currently under contract, we have the necessary experience to support the Missile Defence Agency today and in the future,” Kunkel added.