A BAE spokeswoman said today the $20 million federal defense contract it received this week will likely mean about two or three more engineering jobs in Hawaii.

The contractor this week was awarded the contract to  develop a laser-based system that detects mines and other obstacles in near-shore waters for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

BAE Systems spokeswoman Karen Spiller said the contract will also mean stabilizing the business base for more than 30 employees at a time when the industry faces uncertain defense spending. The contract, though, will not impact the potential lay off notices sent to 70 civilian employees at Schofield Barracks.

The project, led by the Hawaii Spectral Solutions group, calls for develop a laser-based system that detects mines and other obstacles in near-shore waters for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

In a statement yesterday, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said, “This is an important acknowledgment of the role Hawaii will play in the development of next-generation defense systems.”

 “It is also a reminder of the hard work Senator Inouye did for Hawaii, and how his support translated into new opportunities for our state. I want to congratulate BAE systems on receiving the contract, and thank them for including Hawaii facilities and workers in the project,” she said in the statement.

— Kery Murakami