MDA receives follow-on contracts from the Federal Aviation Administration

For immediate release: January 31, 2012

MDA receives follow-on contracts from the Federal Aviation Administration

Richmond, B.C. - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that it has signed contracts totaling US$7.6 million with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to continue the upgrade to the FAA's Instrument Procedure Development System (IPDS), as part of a mission support automation program, and to provide operational support to the currently fielded version of the system. These latest contracts will continue to align the system with the requirements of the FAA's NextGen program.

The IPDS provides the FAA and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) with the capability to design terminal area flight routes that take advantage of the latest navigation equipment, resulting in improved terminal airspace usage and reduced fuel burn.

MDA has been providing on-going services related to implementation and integration of the upgrades to FAA's existing instrument flight procedure automation systems since January 2007. The IPDS is part of a joint initiative between the FAA and the DoD to create an automated solution to modernize flight route design practices and to harmonize military and civilian air navigation in the long term.

About MDA

MDA provides advanced information solutions that capture and process vast amounts of data, produce essential information, and improve the decision making and operational performance of business and government organizations worldwide.

Focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, MDA delivers a broad spectrum of information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored information services, to electronic information products.

The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:MDA.

Related Websites:
www.mdacorporation.com

Forward-Looking Statements:
This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") with respect to future events and financial performance. The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the award of government contracts. Any such forward-looking statements are based on MDA's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and MDA's actual results of operations could differ materially from historical results or current expectations. The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include contracts with any government agency not being terminated. MDA cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include changes in government priorities, funding levels, contracts and regulations; failure of third parties and subcontractors; and failure of systems to meet performance requirements.

For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.mdacorporation.com

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.

For more information, please contact:

Wendy Keyzer
MDA External Relations
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]