Press Release

Contact: Andrew Dardine, Research Analyst

Phone: (203) 426-0800

Fax: (203) 426-4262

Web site: www.forecast1.com

E-mail: andrew.dardine@forecast1.com

Forecast International, Inc.

22 Commerce Rd. Newtown, CT  06470 USA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Countermeasure Systems Take Lead in Active EW Market

NEWTOWN, Conn., [February 4, 2003] - Defense departments will spend some $27 billion for leading electronic warfare systems over the next ten years, according to "The Market for Electronic Warfare Systems," a new analysis from Forecast International. 

The analysis says consumers will pay out approximately $12 billion for these systems from 2003 to 2007 and close to $15 billion from 2008 to 2012.  Forecast International believes the rise in the market value over the later part of the forecast reflects the forthcoming introduction of major new aircraft platforms that will require the most advanced self-protection systems available.

"It is evident that the key infrared (IR) and electro-optical (EO) Missile Countermeasures systems will emerge as the most desirable EW devices for the years ahead," says the report's author, Andrew Dardine, Aerospace/Defense Electronics Analyst with Forecast International.  "These systems include BAE System's AAR-57 and the Tactical Aircraft Directable IR Countermeasures (TADIRCM) system and Northrop Grumman's AAQ-24 and Large Aircraft IRCM (LAIRCM)," added Dardine.

According to the report, defense departments will spend $11.8 billion over the next decade on developing and producing these key countermeasure systems.  From 2003 to 2008, development and production expenditures will total $3.2 billion.  This amount will increase to $8.6 billion during the 2009-2012 timeframe due in large part to the introduction of new tactical aircraft such as the F-22, which is scheduled for deployment by decade's end.

The opening stages of the war in Afghanistan vividly illustrated the critical need and success of jamming systems.  As a result, demand for this crucial EW technology is rising.  Forecast International projects development and production of the jamming systems examined in its analysis to total $2 billion over the next ten years.  Several companies – both US and non-US - have emerged as major players in the jamming systems market.  These companies include Northrop Grumman, Elta Electronics, BAE Systems, and Thales.

"The Market for Electronic Warfare Systems" reports that next-generation defense systems will likely gain new momentum in the years ahead as defense departments worldwide upgrade their older EW systems.  Of particular note are the US Air Force's aging Compass Call and EA-6B Prowler.  While both EW systems are still highly desirable, both are virtual stopgap systems employed by the US Air Force until the next generation of EW systems is born.

Forecast International/DMS Inc., is a leading provider of Market Intelligence and Analyses in the areas of aerospace, defense, power systems and military electronics.  Based in Newtown, CT, USA, Forecast International specializes in long-range industry forecasts and innovative marketing presentations, including regular 10-year forecasts.  To arrange an interview with Forecast International's analysts, please contact Monty Nebinger (203-426-0800, monty.nebinger@forecast1.com).