Vancouver, BC - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") (TSX: MDA), a global communications and information company, today announced that it has signed a five-year contract with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). MDA will lead a team of five Canadian organizations with expertise in hyperspectral imaging and data analysis. This initiative will help develop and validate airborne and ground-based hyperspectral imaging capabilities in ultraviolet, visible near-infrared and low-wave infrared spectral ranges.

Hyperspectral imaging gathers much richer and sophisticated information about the world’s oceans, lakes, land, and vegetation because it collects the full spectrum of light reflected or emitted from the Earth’s surface and separates it into dozens of spectral “bands.” Analyzing this spectral information for a feature on the ground or in the atmosphere can reveal its composition and evolution while providing critical information to environmental, security and natural resources decision makers.

Norman Hannaford, MDA’s vice president and general manager responsible for this business said, “MDA has had a long history at the forefront of hyperspectral technology and of partnering with DRDC to advance capabilities to protect the men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The technology created by this project will help expand upon this work by better enabling the detection of chemical and biological threats in theatres of operation.”

“It is through partnerships such as these that Canada is able to provide CAF members with state-of-the-art technology, which help protect against today’s emerging defence and security threats,” said Dr. Marc Fortin, Assistant Deputy Minister (Science and Technology), Department of National Defence (DND). “This initiative is a great example demonstrating DND’s support for experts and innovators across Canada to focus on defence and security problems as outlined in Canada’s Defence Policy – Strong, Secure, Engaged.”

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.

MDA's business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA's established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 15 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDA."

Related Websites
www.mdacorporation.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA” or the “Company”) with respect to future events and financial performance. The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the award of a government contract. Any such forward-looking statements are based on MDA’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include contracts with any government agency not being terminated. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. MDA cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include, but are not limited to: changes in government priorities, mandates, policies or funding levels through agency budget reductions; the imposition of budgetary constraints or a decline in government support or deferment of funding for programs in which the Company or its customers participate; failure of third parties and subcontractors; and failure of systems to meet performance requirements.

For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.mdacorporation.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.