Raytheon Co.'s deal worth US$279 million to keep on developing US Navy's latest radar-jamming network held promise for more. According to Navy executives, up to US$7.4 billion worth projects for Raytheon could be expected.

Raytheon vied against BAE Systems Plc and the joint ventue of Northrop Grumman Corp. and Exelis Inc. They competed in making a "technology demonstration" stage for the Next Generation Jammer.

The gear would be carried on all 135 Boeing Co. EA-18G Growler aircraft. The Navy intended to buy the aircraft this decade. Waltham, Massachusetts-headquartered Raytheon believed that it was given a great chance to grow.

"Provided they meet the conditions of the current contract, the program's acquisition strategy is to award follow-on engineering, manufacturing and development and production contracts sole-source to Raytheon," Rob Koon, Naval Air Systems Command spokesman, stated through email.

"Raytheon provided the U.S. Navy with an innovative and efficient design capable of jamming current and future threats," Rick Yuse, president of the company's space and airborne network firm, said.

Raytheon was also the globe's biggest manufacturer of missiles.