Boeing [NYSE: BA] and HAVELSAN, a leading software and systems company in the Republic of Turkey, have announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to continue pursuing solutions in regional and global ballistic missile defense.

Through this MOU, which extends an agreement signed in 2003, the two companies will jointly evaluate and develop opportunities in missile defense, drawing on their existing skills, technologies and capabilities. Boeing is the prime contractor for the U.S. government's Ground-based Midcourse Defense and Airborne Laser programs.

In response to the global focus of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's ballistic missile defense program, Boeing continues to reach out across the globe, establishing missile defense agreements in Europe, Canada and the United Kingdom.

"These international partnerships reflect Boeing's commitment to missile defense technology that will protect and benefit the people of many nations across the globe," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. "Because of HAVELSAN's leadership role and capabilities, we believe this agreement will be mutually beneficial for developing regional as well as global opportunities."

The MOU continues the companies' strong partnership. Boeing and HAVELSAN have previously worked together to study integrating missile defense assets into NATO systems that could be used to defend Turkey, the United States and other NATO countries. Boeing and HAVELSAN also partnered on the Alliance Shield team for NATO's Active Layered Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence program. HAVELSAN is a key supplier to Boeing for Turkey's Peace Eagle airborne early warning and control aircraft.