Speaking at the 50th Munich Security Conference, Raytheon International Inc. CEO, John D. Harris II, urged participants to consider new opportunities for greater transatlantic industrial cooperation, saying, "We need to pursue initiatives that deliver greater cost efficiencies in a way that maintains and improves our defense capabilities."

Harris made his remarks during a panel on the future of European defense, alongside serving and former European ministers of defense and the CEO of Airbus Group. He went on to say, "The prospect of more open, competitive markets resulting from a U.S. - EU free trade agreement represents opportunities, not threats, for European and North American defense companies. Jointly, we can set standards and serve as an engine to boost defense cooperation, globally."

Raytheon employs more than 3000 people, and maintains around 500 suppliers across Europe. The company's holdings and partnerships in the UK, Germany, Spain and France all leverage locally developed technology and expertise to provide innovative solutions that are exported throughout the EU, to the U.S., and globally.

The Munich Security Conference brings together some 80 delegations from Europe and around the world, including a significant number of heads of state and government, senior cabinet officials and heads of international organizations.