A modernized Indentification-Friend-or-Foe antenna for the Patriot air defense system is to be jointly developed by Raytheon and Poland's Bumar Elektronika.

The IFF antenna will be a main element of the Patriot's advanced 360-degree radar that Raytheon is proposing for a Polish missile defense program.

"There is a considerable level of technical complexity associated with this effort, which highlights Raytheon's commitment to deliver significant, long-term benefits to Poland's defense industry," said Daniel J Crowley, president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. "In addition, this antenna opens an export market for Bumar Elektronika among established users worldwide -- an opportunity unique to the Patriot system."

Under an initial agreement, engineer teams of both companies are to begin work on defining the concept.

Earlier this year Raytheon, together with Polski Holding Obronny, held a partnering conference in Poland. More agreements with Polish companies on the missile defense project are expected, Raytheon said.

"We are pleased to initiate this project in cooperation with Raytheon, which gives us the opportunity to make an important contribution to future improvements of Patriot," said Dr. Ryszard Kardasz, president of Bumar Elektronika. "This offers clear benefits to nations around the world that depend on the system's proven capability."