Raytheon has introduced a new missile defense system architectural analysis tool designed to help identify the best ways to leverage current NATO assets in support of growing Europe's integrated air and missile defense capabilities.

The analysis tool was built leveraging Raytheon's extensive knowledge and experience across sensors, command and control, and interceptors within the current European Phased Adaptive Approach construct.

"We've conducted a thorough analysis of U.S. missile defense system assets in Europe, and we understand how to position sensors and interceptors to achieve maximum protection for our allies," said Wes Kremer, vice president of Air and Missile Defense Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems.

"The assets in place today provide Europe with a viable shield of protection, but NATO assets are needed to make that shield more robust."

The analysis tool is flexible and can incorporate any element or geographical deployment to show the system's effectiveness for various mission scenarios.

"NATO nations have robust, highly sophisticated assets that could be used to strengthen the current shield; in these fiscally challenging times, we must make 'Smart Defense' investments using our limited resources," said Kremer.

"Raytheon understands how integrated air and missile defense system elements fit together, and this gives us the unique ability to help allies evaluate how their current and future capabilities can be optimized when integrated with other U.S. and European assets."