Macdonald Dettwiler & Associates Ltd : MDA announces Canada's DND Sapphire satellite completes commissioning and has transitioned into operations

For immediate release: January 30, 2014

MDA announces Canada's DND Sapphire satellite completes commissioning and has transitioned into operations

Richmond, BC - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") (TSX: MDA), a global communications and information company, announced today that the Sapphire satellite developed by MDA for Canada's Department of National Defence (DND) has completed its commissioning and is fully transitioned into operations as a contributing sensor to the U.S. Space Surveillance Network. Details of the original announcement were provided in the Company's news release dated February 25, 2013. With the declaration of full operational capability, Sapphire will enter its five-year operational phase.

Canada's Sapphire is the Department of National Defence's first dedicated operational military satellite. The satellite tracks man-made space objects in Earth's orbit between 6,000 and 40,000 km in altitude, as part of Canada's continued support of Space Situational Awareness. Data from the Sapphire satellite is contributed to the U.S. Space Surveillance Network, enhancing the ability of both countries to detect and avoid the collision of critical space platforms with other satellites or pieces of debris.

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 4,500 employees operating from 11 offices located in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

The Company's common shares trade under the symbol TSX:MDA.

Related Websites:
www.mdacorporation.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This news 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. When used in this news release, the words "believes", "expects", "plans", "may", "will", "would", "could", "should", "anticipates", "estimates", "project", "intend" or "outlook" or other variations of these words or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Known risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks associated with operating satellites and providing satellite services, including satellite construction or launch delays, satellite damage caused during launch, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; changing performance requirements; changes in customer priorities, mandates, policies, funding levels, contracts and regulations; failure of third parties and subcontractors; failure of systems to meet performance requirements; and other risks, including litigation. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. The information contained in this news release reflects MDA's beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, MDA disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information herein.

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]