January 29, 2008

MDA receives advanced technology contract with leading European systems provider

Richmond, B.C. - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that its Montreal operation has been awarded an advanced technology multi-million dollar contract by Thales Alenia Space (Thales).

This contract further establishes MDA's relationship with Thales, a leading European provider of mission-critical information systems serving the defence, aerospace and security markets. Under this contract, MDA will supply data reception and transmission subsystems for two satellites being built by a consortium of European companies, EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space, that will provide a large range of satellite communications services over sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa region and beyond.

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 earth and space based information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored information services, to electronic information products.

MDA employs more than 3,000 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
www.thalesgroup.com

Forward-Looking Statement
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.