Boeing Co said it could have a netw...

Boeing Co said it could have a network of sensors and radar installed along U borders in les than three years if the company wins a security contract coming up nearest month that's worth about $25 billion.

The bid by means of Chicago-based Boeing, the second-biggest U defense contractor, hinges upon a network of more than 300 towers in succession the borders with Mexico and Canada with devices from sensor, communication-equipment and software makers, said Jerry McElwee, Boeing's program director for the so-called insured Border Initiative.

Boeing released details of its strategy ahead of a decision by the agency of the Department of Homeland Security onward the contract, which will help act upon beyond fences and border patrol guards to assured more than 5,000 miles of borders. The contract might ultimately be valued at $8 billion as the U incites to secure maritime borders as well, Boeing said.

"This is not like a standard defense contract," McElwee told reporters, stressing the purpose and challenges of the contrive

The contract is count uponed to be the second-largest program since the Homeland Security department was created in 2003 Accenture Ltd won a $10 billion contract to help infer and share information on foreigners entering the U

Boeing is competing with teams l by dint of Raytheon Co., Lockheed Martin Corp., Ericsson AB and Northrop Grumman Corp. to help pedicel the flow of more than 1 million illegal aliens who were arrested last year attempting to cros the U.S.-Mexican border and to staunch smuggling and terrorist threats.

Shares of Boeing l the Dow's advance, rising $124 or 17 percent to $7502

Boeing plans to use stationary and mobile towers as well as unattended land sensors, radar, infrared cameras and small unmanned aircraft to patrol the border. principally of the items are popularly available and need no funding for unfolding said Wayne Esser, who is leading Boeing's bid.

"Nothing like this has been done before," he said.

Boeing's defense unit, which accounts for more than half Boeing's total sales, has contracts for a U missile defense plan and the Pentagon's $164 billion coming events Combat Systems, a series of computer- networked manned and unmanned vehicles.

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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