August 25, 2009

MDA to field test advanced information solutions for crime scene assessment

RICHMOND, BC, - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX:MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that it has signed a contract for $2 million (CAD) through the Chemical, Biological, Radiological-Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI), a Government of Canada program led by the Defence Research and Development Canada - Centre for Security Science. The contract will see the development of an advanced information solution to assist first responders investigating hazardous crime scenes. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will act as the lead federal agency in this project in partnership with MDA, Toronto Police Service, Hamilton Police Service, Vancouver Police Department, Defence Research and Development Canada - Ottawa, Canadian Police Research Centre and York University, who is assisting with software development.

MDA's solution will provide real-time data, three dimensional mapping and situational awareness of hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive substances in crime scenes. Deployed on robotic platforms, the solution will reduce the need for first responders to enter a contaminated scene and risk exposure to hazardous or explosive materials.

Following field trials, preproduction units will be supplied to responders from the RCMP National CBRNE Response Team in Ottawa, Hamilton Police Services, Toronto Police Services and the Vancouver Police Department.

'We are continually evolving our advanced technology solutions for new commercial markets,' commented Steve Oldham, MDA's vice president within the Information Systems group. 'Our knowledge of operating in hostile environments allows us to offer specialized vision systems for security and surveillance applications.'

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 3,200 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. The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the award of a 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. 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. The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include contracts 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 failure of third parties and subcontractors; failure of systems to meet performance requirements and failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and product offerings or comply with the requisite standards.

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

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