Two Japanese Patriot crews recently fired Patriot missiles in testing at Fort Bliss, Texas, Raytheon Co. [RTN] announced.

The company provided operational support for the annual service practice conducted by Japan Air Self-Defense Force troops.

"From Raytheon’s perspective, all visual indications and initial data readings support a successful mission," said Dan Smith, president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. "Results of this annual service practice are indicative of the system’s reliability and the high readiness of Japanese Patriot crews."

Raytheon IDS engineers provided operational support that included intermediate maintenance and data collection and analysis validating intercept parameters.

Raytheon is the prime contractor for the Patriot system and integration of all variants. Japan is one of 10 nations that employ Patriots as a key component of air and missile defense programs.