BAE Systems netted a $46 million contract for continued maintenance and support of the Air Force’s solid state phased radar system (SSPARS).

The contract modification extends work on an existing 12-year contract for another year and increases the total award, through expected completion in 2018, to $550 million.

Under the terms of the contract, BAE will continue supporting the U.S. Air Force’s 21st Space Wing—the Air Force unit responsible for providing missile warning and space surveillance awareness in defense of the United States and its allies—through 2018.

Ground-Based Mid Course Defense (GMD) falls under the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) umbrella. Photo: MDA.
Ground-Based Mid Course Defense (GMD) falls under the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) umbrella. Photo: MDA.

“Providing missile defense and space surveillance for the United States, Canada, and our allies is a very important mission,” DeEtte Gray, president of BAE’sintelligence & security sector, said in a prepared statement. “Our teams have deep knowledge of each site radar and system, and we look forward to helping ensure our customer continues to successfully achieve their vital mission.”

SSPARS provide the Air Force with an array of early warning capabilities against sea-launched ballistic missiles and ballistic missile space-based surveillance, along with maintenance for satellite communication systems and precision measurement equipment calibration.

BAE will maintain around-the-clock operations and maintenance support at each of five Northern Hemisphere SSPARS locations: Beale AFB, Calif; Cape Cod Air Force Station, Massachusetts; Clear Air Force Station, Alaska; Royal Air Force Fylingdales, United Kingdom; and Thule Air Base, Greenland.