December 17, 2008

MDA to provide advanced technology solution

Richmond, B.C. - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX:MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that it has won a multi-million dollar contract to provide four advanced technology solutions for Space Systems/Loral Inc. The solutions will be integrated into the ViaSat-1 satellite, expected to be the world's highest capacity broadband satellite once launched in 2011.

ViaSat-1 will provide simultaneous data transmission and reception over the United States and Canada.

MDA provides advanced information solutions that capture and process vast amounts of data, produce essential information, and improve the decision making and operational performance of business and government organizations worldwide.

Focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, MDA delivers a broad spectrum of information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored information services, to electronic information products.

MDA employs more than 3,300 people in locations across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol. TSX: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. with respect to future events and financial performance. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and MDA's actual results of operations could differ materially from historical results or current expectations. Additional information on these and other potential factors that could affect MDA's financial results are detailed in documents filed from time to time with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

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