EUROPE
LAND
07 Jun 12. Amputees in Action, the UK’s largest provider of fully trained professional amputee actors for film and TV as well as for casualty simulations, has been appointed by Serco Group plc (the international service company) as one of their two training subcontractors, to help deliver a major contract awarded by the UK Ministry of Defence. Under the Serco contract, training is being provided to help support the British Army in their preparations prior to deployment on operations including to Afghanistan. The contract, Contemporary Operating Environment Force (COEFOR), covers the delivery of essential language, culture and operational environment skills. Mabway, the other subcontractor, provides the language and cultural awareness training, including the provision of role players to act as local Afghanis, while Amputees in Action are responsible for the casualty simulations.
07 Jun 12. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified US Congress of a potential sale of 70 M-39 Block 1A army tactical missile system (ATACMS) T2K unitary missiles and associated parts to the Government of Finland. Under the estimated $132m foreign military sale, Finland has also requested missile common test device software, ATACMS quality assurance team support, spare and repair parts, tools and test, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, as well the logistical support services. The Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) will use the missiles and services to further expand its current army architecture and also improve its self-defence capabilities against a wide range of threats. The potential sale is also expected to contribute to the FDF’s goal of upgrading its capability simultaneously, further enhancing its interoperability with the US and other regional allies, according to DSCA. Lockheed Martin Missiles will be the prime contractor for the programme. (Source: armytechnology.com)
AIR
08 Jun 12. Following a competitive tender process, engineering consultancy Frazer-Nash has been awarded a further major contract to support the MoD Puma Life Extension Programme (LEP), a role the company has held for the past four years. The LEP will extend the Puma helicopter fleet service life from 2012 until 2025 to deliver an effective support helicopter capability. The LEP will also improve the safety of the platform by providing new engines and a digital flight control system as well as increased platform survivability and enhanced communications. (Source: ASD Network)
08 Jun 12. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of two C-130J-30 US Air Force (USAF) baseline aircraft and associated parts to the Government of Norway. Under the $300m FMS programme, Norway has additionally requested the supply of nine Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 engines, including eight installed and one spare, countermeasure systems, aircraft modifications, communication equipment and support, tools and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, as well as logistical support services. The potential sale is expected to enhance the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s (RNoAF) ability to assist in disaster relief, humanitarian missions and future military deployments. According to the DSCA, Norway is planning to deploy the aircraft in support of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force’s missions in Afghanistan, and also to boost its capability in providing intra-theatre lift for its armed forces. (Source: airforcetechnology.com)
05 Jun 12. Saab received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for maintenance of the Erieye airborne radar system. The order amount is SEK125m.
05 Jun 12. Saab and AVINOR, the Air Navigation Service Provider for Norway, have signed a contract to trial remotely operated air traffic service tower technology in Norway later this year. Remote tower technology allows air traffic at one or mor