Waltham-based defense contractor Raytheon Co. received $150 million from the Army to upgrade its venerable Patriot missile defense system, made famous during the first Gulf War in 1991.
The initial contract will cover the cost of upgrading one Patriot battalion consisting of four “fire units,” which could include up to 64 missiles, from the Army’s Configuration 2 to Configuration 3. The new upgrades include improved hardware for the missile system’s radar, control stations and launchers, and better logistical support for the units, the company said.
Upgrade work will be performed at Raytheon’s Integrated Air Defense Center in Andover. The contract is part of a 2006 Army decision to modernize and upgrade its tactical Patriot fire units, according to the company.
