Raytheon dedicates HAWK monument to the Royal Saudi Defense Forces

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The monument, located at the entrance to the Royal Saudi Defense Forces headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, symbolizes the long-lasting friendship and partnership between the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces and Raytheon, which spans more than 40 years. The monument was dedicated during a ceremony including Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) and Saudi officials.

'The Saudis have shown that they are a pillar of stability in the region,' said Dan Smith, president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. 'We are proud of our continued relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Providing defensive capability such as the HAWK system promotes further regional stability with the Kingdom serving as the anchor for this stability.'

'The close relationship we have with the Saudi Defense Forces spans more than 40 years,' said Joseph 'Skip' Garrett, vice president for International Operations for IDS. 'When many left Saudi Arabia at the onset of the Gulf War, Raytheon stayed, honoring our commitment to both the Saudi military and the Saudi people.'

HAWK's adaptability and versatility through five decades of emerging air defense challenges provide testimony of the system's innovative design. It was originally conceived as a low-altitude air-defense system to counter the intensifying cold war threats of the 1950s. It became operational in 1959. Today, after technological advancements, HAWK continues to serve the air defense needs of key American allies.