Illustration of satellite systems tracking low earth orbit missiles (Raytheon)

Raytheon was awarded a contract worth over $250 million to design and produce seven military satellites that provide early warning, tracking, and targeting of advanced missiles, including hypersonic ones, the US military giant said in a statement on Thursday.

The company described the system, which is expected to be launched in 2025, as "a key element of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture."

"Raytheon Technologies received an award valued at more than $250 million to design, develop and deliver a seven-vehicle missile tracking satellite constellation, as well as support launch and ground operations by the Space Development Agency [SDA]," the statement said. "Space Development Agency's satellite constellations will provide warning, tracking, and targeting of advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapon attacks."

The system “will become the fifth plane of satellites providing missile warning and tracking,” to the US Department of Defense, the company noted.

The aerospace company said the satellites will enhance the US' ability to track imminent threats, such as hypersonic missiles.

"Developing a resilient and affordable proliferated satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit will improve our ability to track emerging threats like hypersonic missiles. Continuing to develop this architecture with SDA and our industry partners will be a high priority for us in the coming months."