Hughes Aircraft Co.’s ground systems group in...

Hughes Aircraft Co.’s ground systems group in Fullerton has received a $159-million contract to expand Egypt’s air defense system. The contract is an expansion of a $210-million contract Hughes received from the Egyptian government in 1983. Hughes began deliveries and testing of the first equipment for the system in late 1987. Hughes, a unit of GM Hughes Electronics, will not need to increase employment at its Fullerton plant as a result of the contract, company spokesman Dan Reeder said. Hughes said it will integrate additional command and control sites into the air defense system and will provide computers, software, displays and other electronics equipment. The air defense system will enable Egypt to detect and track enemy aircraft approaching its borders and take defensive measures.