EUROPE
LAND
12 Dec 11. Aimpoint, the originator and worldwide leader in electronic red dot sighting technology, has been awarded a new contract to supply more than 10,000 Micro T-1 sights, 2,000 CompM4 sights, and more than 2,000 3X Magnifiers to the Norwegian Army. This latest award is in addition to approximately 30,000 Aimpoint sights already in use by the Norwegian Armed Forces.
20 Jan 12. The French armament procurement agency Direction (DGA) has just awarded NEXTER Munitions a Multi-Annual Contract for the development, qualification and production of large-caliber ammunition. The first part of this contract, worth €138m, comprises development and qualification of 155/52-calibre illumination and smoke shells; the supply of modular charges for CAESAR© artillery; the supply of explosive 120-mm cartridges for Leclerc Main Battle Tank and 105mm practice cartridges for AMX 10 RCR armored vehicles; and resumed production of 100mm cartridges for the French Navy. This package contract covers the Armed Forces’ requirements for large-caliber ammunition and gives France guarantees regarding the short and medium-term sustainability of the business of its supplier NEXTER Munitions for both development and production of large-caliber ammunition. In addition, the flow of production protects the fabric of suppliers, giving them visibility and sustainability.
16 Jan 12. Late November 2011, Renault Trucks Defense (RTD) won the invitation for bids from SEA (Service des Essences des Armées – French Armed Forces Fuel Service) for the supply of an air-transportable multipurpose tactical tanker-truck (“CCPTA”). RTD’s winning proposal was the Sherpa Medium truck. The order comprises a firm batch for 30 vehicles and a conditional batch for 20 more. A qualification phase will be conducted in 2012 and the customer will take delivery of the first trucks in 2013.
18 Jan 12. Sagem (Safran group) has won a contract from Cassidian (an EADS company) to supply Sigma 30 navigation and pointing systems to modernize the self-propelled M270 Mars MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) artillery systems deployed by the armies of Germany, Italy and France. Five artillery regiments in these three armies will be upgraded to the GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) standard. Based on digital laser gyro technology, Sagem’s Sigma 30 is a high-performance land navigation and artillery pointing system designed to operate in even the harshest environments. A component of the EFCS (European Fire Control System) integrated in the rocket launcher system, it is a critical part of today’s artillery systems, enabling the very high-precision firing of new unitary warhead rockets to a range of several dozens of km, including in electronic warfare environment. The Sigma 30 system will be coupled to a hardened, latest-generation SAASM (Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module) type GPS receiver.
AIR
06 Jan 12. Hungary set for Huey purchase. The US Congress has approved plans to offer 32 modified Bell UH-1N ‘Huey’ utility helicopters to Hungary. The approval paves the way for Hungary to select the former US Navy (USN) platforms to replace its ageing Russian-built Mil Mi-8/17 ‘Hip’ helicopters, many of which are due to be retired shortly. Defence Minister Csaba Hende told Jane’s that the government will make a decision on its future helicopter fleet “very soon.” (Source: Jane’s, JDW)
16 Jan 12. PZL-Swidnik, an AgustaWestland company has signed contracts with the Polish Ministry of National Defence valued at approximately PLN380m net (€90m) for the supply of five W-3WA Sokós helicopters and the upgrade of 14 helicopters. The manufacture and upgrading activities will be undertaken at the PZL-Swidnik factory in Poland. The five new W-3WA Sokó helicopters will be configured for VIP transport and used by the Polish Air Force to provide transport services for senior military and government personnel. Featuring outstanding operational capability, the W