General Dynamics Information technology has been awarded a contract to support communication systems for the U.S. Air Force in in Asia.

Under the five-year contract, with the potential value of about $450 million if all options are exercised, General Dynamics will provide acquisition, installation, operations and maintenance support of communications for the U.S. Air Forces Central Command in Central and Southwest Asia.

Work on the contract will be performed at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. General Dynamics officials estimate more than 200 employees will be hired to support the contract.

"General Dynamics will continue providing the U.S. Air Force Central Command with mission-essential communications and IT support services throughout the Persian Gulf region and in Central Asia," said Dan Busby, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Information Technology's IT Services and Solutions sector in a statement.

U.S. Air Forces Central Command is responsible for the air operations of U.S. Central Command, both unilateral and in coalition with partner nations, in the Southwest Asia area of responsibility.