MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. : MDA provides further support for Australian Defence Force

For immediate release: January 16, 2013

MDA provides further support for Australian Defence Force

Richmond, BC - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") (TSX: MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that it has signed a multi-million dollar contract amendment with the Commonwealth of Australia. Under this amendment, MDA will provide a six month extension to the original three month assessment activity to provide new critical information in support of Australia's efforts in Afghanistan. The assessment activity was announced in September 2012.

MDA has been supporting the Australian Forces by providing critically important real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information directly to ground commanders, since January 2010.

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.

MDA's business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA's well-established global customer base is served by more than 5,000 employees operating from 18 offices located in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

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 a government contract. 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. The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include contracts with any government agency not being terminated. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. 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, mandates, policies, funding levels, contracts and regulations; failure of third parties and subcontractors; partial or complete failure of a satellite or related systems; 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 under the Company's profile 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]