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BAE Systems has received a $49 million U.S. Navy contract to develop a system that can rapidly identify and track concealed targets.

The Joint Multi-Mission Electro-Optical System (JMMES) contract calls for BAE Systems to develop aircraft sensors that enable passive, non-intrusive detection of submerged and concealed targets. The effort is jointly funded by the Navy, the deputy undersecretary of Defense Advanced Systems and Concepts, and the Canadian Ministry of National Defence.

JMMES will detect, identify, and track otherwise hard-to-find objects to support a variety of tactical operations and homeland security missions. Using sensors compatible with naval aircraft, JMMES will demonstrate automatic processing and targeting capability intended for joint, coalition, and interagency surveillance needs.

The project continues BAE Systems' research and development efforts to extend antisubmarine warfare capabilities into areas such as mine countermeasures, maritime interdiction operations and surface warfare.

The first increment of funding, awarded by the Naval Air Systems Command, is $6.7 million. All work will be performed in Honolulu and is expected to be completed by June 2012.

Capitalizing on the unique test and evaluation opportunities at the Pacific Missile Range Facility and the Navy's Hawaiian operating areas, BAE Systems' Honolulu site has served as a Department of Defense technology incubator for more than 10 years.

BAE Systems is a global defense and aerospace company delivering products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services.