CONTRACT NEWS IN BRIEF
EUROPE
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25 Feb 09. BAE Systems has been awarded a $70m contract to finalize the development of the Archer artillery system for the Swedish and Norwegian armed forces. This order consists of final development of the self propelled gun, development of ammunition handling system and modular charges. Construction of a final prototype gun is expected to be completed by September 2009.
19 Feb 09. EADS Defence & Security (DS) will ensure the reliability of the French Armed Forces’ friend-or-foe identification systems (IFF) by delivering state-of-the-art encryption equipment. According to an announcement made by the company, Defence Electronics (DE), an integrated activity of EADS DS, has been awarded a contract worth approx. EUR 30m by the French procurement authority DGA for upgrading more than 1,000 IFF systems deployed by the French Air Force and Navy.
19 Feb 09. The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has placed an order on Nexter for 800 SIT V1 Battle Management Systems (BMS) in order to equip 400 Infantry Combat Vehicles (VCI). This contract includes a new version of the software which increases the interoperability of the SIT V1 with the other information systems in use by forces through the “SIC TERRE” joint operations. This contract also includes technical control and maintaining in operational condition (MCO) of the SIT V1 systems for 10 years. The qualification of the SIT V1 BMS was pronounced by DGA in August 2007 following operational evaluation trials, which were conducted successfully by the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment, equipped with modernized AMX 10 RC tanks, VB2Ls and VBLs. The engagement in external operations by the regiment in Ivory Coast in 2007 and now in Afghanistan has additionally confirmed the excellent behaviour of the SIT V1, and in particular its ease of use and the operational benefits of this command system. This new contract signed by DGA raises to over 1 200, the number of combat vehicles fielded by the French Army, which will be equipped with the SIT V1 information system. To date, 400 systems are already deployed by the French forces on the Leclerc tank, the AMX10RC, the VCI and the VBL.
25 Feb 09. Small Arms Ammunition: Contract Award. The Defence Contracts Bulletin (25 Feb 09) confirmed that a £20m contract has been awarded to Ruag Ammotec of Switzerland for 5.56mm ammunition. 36 million rounds of ball ammunition are required in 50 round cartons and a further 36 million rounds linked with four ball and one tracer.
Comment: A similar Ruag contract for 5.56mm ammunition was notified in the Contracts Bulletin of 23 May 07, although the precise quantity was not then announced. No explanation has been offered as to why this contract had to go offshore and was not awarded to BAE Systems (Radway Green) under the Project MASS arrangements confirmed in August 2008. Monthly usage of 5.56mm in Afghanistan in the first half of 2008 varied between 48,000 and 400,000 rounds. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 09/10, 02 Mar 09)
23 Feb 09. Sagem (SAFRAN Group) was selected in an international competition to upgrade the navigation and pointing systems of the German army’s Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS). Sagem’s upgrading solution, a key to a “shoot and scoot” firing, is based on a Sigma 30 artillery Inertial Navigation System , coupled with a latest generation hardened SAASM (Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module) type GPS receiver. The MLRS systems deployed by two Bundeswehr Battalion are planned for modernization. (Source: ASD Network)
25 Feb 09. The Swedish Defense Forces are expanding the use of Sectra’s Tiger system for encrypted telephony. The Tiger XS products will be used to protect national secrets and to secure voice communications during international peacekeeping missions such as the Nordic Battlegroup. The order from the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration is valued at SEK 20m. (Source: ASD Network)
SEA
23 Feb