New Delhi, Oct 5 (IANS) US defence major Raytheon Missile Systems (RMS) Tuesday named Peter Wray as its new business development director for India.

"In this position, Wray will continue to develop and implement the RMS business strategy for India, and build on the company's growing partnership with the Indian armed forces and industry," a company statement said.

"India is an extremely important market for Raytheon Missile Systems," said Wray, adding: "The company has a long-term commitment to India, and my appointment is further evidence of that."

Wray has been employed by Raytheon since 1987. Prior to joining the company, he served in the Royal Air Force, retiring as a wing commander. Wray joins a team of Raytheon employees who are headquartered in Delhi.

"Raytheon is a trusted and valued partner to India. Our company is working to help the world's largest democracy achieve its modernization goals," said Cynthia Davis, vice president of international business development for RMS.

"Raytheon has been a global company for decades and we are expanding our partnerships worldwide," she added.

Raytheon company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specialising in defence, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world.

Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services.

With headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.