Under a newly exercised option for the AN/SLQ-25C system contract, Boeing subsidiary Argon ST will continue to supply U.S. Navy surface ships with countermeasures that lure torpedoes away by mimicking a vessel's propulsion system.

The $8 million option covers production and delivery of eight new AN/SLQ-25C systems - commonly called "Nixie" - under the Navy's Surface Ship Torpedo Defense program. An electro-acoustic towed decoy system, Nixie can communicate with its host ship's network for a fully integrated defense capability.

"Nixie's open architecture allows us to continue to innovate advances in engineering and technology that improve the system's capability and reliability and reduce its cost," said Kim Patterson, Boeing AN/SLQ-25C program manager.

Argon ST has been supporting the Nixie program for the Naval Sea Systems Command since 2002, and has received multiple follow-on awards with options. The order announced Wednesday is the first option exercised under the current contract. Production of the new systems will begin in February, primarily at Argon ST's facilities in Smithfield, Pa.

Argon ST is the sole contractor for the design, development and manufacturing of the AN/SQL-25C system, which is protecting more than 400 vessels in navies from more than 20 countries around the world. Nixie is one of Boeing's C4ISR capabilities that support customers' enduring need for situational awareness.