16:15 GMT, November 4, 2009 ANAHEIM, Calif. | The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has delivered upgraded cryptography devices to Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Air Force for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) system. The devices provide additional communications security between the missile system's launch control centers and launch facilities.

The new devices are part of the ICBM Cryptography Upgrade (ICU) program for ICBM missile wings at Air Force bases F.E. Warren in Wyoming, Malmstrom in Montana and Minot in North Dakota. Boeing designed, developed and delivered the replacement units and supporting technical data, trainers, support equipment, and code processing system modifications.

"Enabling the Air Force to install these units is a vital step as we work together to enhance the security of this important nuclear deterrent," said Peggy Morse, director of Boeing Strategic Missile Systems. "It's also one of the Air Force's main requirements for full operational capability of the ICU program."

ICU is one element of the ICBM Prime Integration Contract led by Northrop Grumman. The program sustains and modernizes the United States' Minuteman III weapon system, extending its service life well into the future.

Boeing has been a teammate on the Northrop Grumman-led ICBM Prime Team since 1998 and has played a key role in ICBM development, design, production and maintenance since Minuteman I was conceptualized in 1958.