[JLRC]

Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV)
 
 
(Source: New Zealand Ministry of Defence; issued Dec. 8, 2004)
 
 
 The New Zealand Army requires a family of wheeled armoured vehicles for use in support of light motorised infantry. The vehicles are intended to provide protected mobility for light infantry manoeuvre groups in combat or when undertaking peace support operations. It is not intended to use the vehicles in a fighting role; rather, infantry will dismount to conduct combat operations on foot.  
 
The total approved project cost for vehicles, training, infrastructure, spares, ammunition, and project management is NZ$652.833 million including GST.  
 
On 29 January 2001 a contract was signed with General Motors of Canada Ltd for the supply of 105 light armoured vehicles. Since signing this contract General Motors of Canada Ltd has been bought out by General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada.  
 
On 24 October 2003, the Minister of Defence accepted delivery of the first vehicles at a formal handover ceremony held at Waiouru.  
 
Delivery of the vehicles is as follows:  
 
--August 2003 – first batch of vehicles delivered to New Zealand  
--September 2003 – first batch of vehicles offered for acceptance  
--June 2004 – 91 vehicles in New Zealand  
--June 2004 – 57 vehicles in service with the Army  
--June 2004 – 90% of spares and special tools delivered  
--August 2004 – final batch shipped from Canada  
--November 2004 – final batch delivered to Army.  
 
 
Vehicle deliveries are complete, with handover to Army on schedule.  
 
-ends-

[Spectral]

South Africa set to buy 8 to 14 Airbus A400Ms
[10 Dec 2004]    

JOHANNESBURG (AFP)


South Africa is set to sign a multi-million-euro deal to buy between eight to 14 Airbus A400M military transport aircraft in exchange for investment, technological knowledge and jobs.

In return for buying the aircraft in a deal valued from 837 million euros (1.1 billion dollars) between 2010 and 2014, South Africa will also participate in the A400M design and manufacturing programme, the transport department said in a statement late Thursday.

"We are confident that a memorandum of agreement will be signed in the coming weeks," the statement added.

Airbus Military marketing manager Peter Jost said in September a study showed that "an interest in as few as eight of the aircraft could create at least 401 direct jobs and 2,767 indirect jobs over the programme's projected 50-year life," the SAPA news agency reported.

Jost said currently the South African Air Force needed new transport aircraft.

An existing fleet of a dozen upgraded C130 medium transports and a few smaller Spanish-built CASA 212 light transports would not be able to meet future airlift requirements, including a greater focus on peacekeeping activities on the African continent.

[JLRC]

Bilateral Development Contract on the Boxer Programme
 
 
(Source: OCCAR-EA; dated Nov. 23, web-posted Dec. 10, 2004)
 
 
 Today, after intense negotiations, the Boxer Programme has started a new course with the signature by OCCAR-EA and ARTEC GMBH, Munich, of a major industrial contract amendment for the completion of the development of a family of armoured utility vehicles.  
 
This collaborative programme, which originally included the participation of the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom, has now been reshaped on a binational (Germany and the Netherlands) basis, both on the governmental and the industrial side, after the UK's decision to withdraw from the programme due to major changes in its operational requirements.  
 
The programme is also known as Gepanzertes Transport Kraftfahrzeug (GTK) in Germany and in The Netherlands as Pantser Wiel Voertuig (PWV).  
 
ARTEC GmbH, a consortium formed by Kraus-Maffei Wegmann (GE), Rheinmetall Landsysteme (GE) and Stork (NL), is developing the BOXER family of vehicles.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Textron Systems Awarded Two Additional U.S. Army Contracts for 50 More Armored Security Vehicles
 
 
(Source: Textron Corp.; issued Dec. 10, 2004)
 
 
 WILMINGTON, Mass. --- Textron Marine & Land (TM&L) of New Orleans, Louisiana, an operating unit of Textron Systems, today announced that it has been awarded two more contracts by the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) to manufacture an additional 23 and 27 M117 Armored Security Vehicles (ASV), respectively.  
 
All 50 vehicles have been designated for use by the U.S. Army Military Police, and are potentially worth up to $36 million, subject to final contract terms.  
 
The newly contracted 50 vehicles will be delivered by January 2006, bringing the total number of U.S. Army ASVs fielded, in production, or ordered to 182.  
 
B. Clay Moise, Textron Marine & Land's vice president of marine and combat vehicles, stated "We currently have 77 ASVs serving in Iraq and we're very proud that the vehicle is playing such an important role in helping to protect our U.S. soldiers. We've received an overwhelming amount of positive customer feedback regarding the ASV's superior levels of crew protection and mobility, and we welcome continued opportunities to deliver even more vehicles in the future."  
 
From its recent delivery schedule of one vehicle every three weeks, Textron has increased production to approximately one ASV per week and is prepared to produce at least 36 per month by the fourth quarter of 2005, if required.  
 
The ASV is a 4X4 wheeled armored vehicle that offers exceptional crew protection with multiple layers of armor that provide defense against medium caliber armor-piercing machine gun fire, large artillery fragments, and land mines. This advanced armor is exceedingly lightweight and allows the vehicle to be able to "roll on/roll off" military transport aircraft.  
 
The ASV possesses superior mobility, agility, handling and ride quality through the utilization of a new all-wheel independent suspension. Textron Cadillac Gage has equipped the ASV with a specially designed dual-weapon station that, unlike many other vehicles, enables all ammunition reload to be performed under armor and allows the crew to remain protected from enemy fire.  
 
Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron company, provides innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the global aerospace and defense industries. The company supports military precision engagement and dominant maneuver with strike weapons, mobility and surveillance systems. The Textron name is well known in the areas of advanced weapons, surveillance systems, aircraft control components, specialty marine craft and armored vehicles.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Patria to Modify Estonian XA Vehicles
 
 
(Source: Patria; issued Dec. 10, 2004)
 
 
 Patria and Estonian Ministry of Defence have today signed a contract for modernisation of the Estonian XA-vehicles. The contract also covers required training for Estonian personnel, technical documentation, support tools and equipment and initial spare part packages. The modification will take place in 2005-2007.  
 
The Estonian Ministry of Defence and the Finnish Ministry of Defence signed a purchase contract for 60 XA-180 APC vehicles earlier today.  
 
"Patria's armoured wheeled vehicles are currently used by several nations in international missions and we are very pleased that Estonia is now joining this group. We feel this will benefit all user nations in the future", states Mr Heikki Hulkkonen, Exective Vice President, Patria Vehicles.  
 
Patria Vehicles will check and modify the XA-180s according to the customer’s requirements. The majority of the vehicles will be so called basic vehicles, major modifications will be made for some Ambulance versions and Command/Control vehicles. Basically vehicles are similar as their counterparts in Finland.  
 
For the life cycle support of the Estonian XA fleet the parties are reviewing the best possible set up.  
 
Patria is an internationally operating Aerospace and Defence Group with significant positions in the Nordic and Baltic Sea countries. Patria’s main business areas are armoured wheeled vehicles, mortars, helicopters and aircraft and the life cycle support of these solutions. Patria delivers internationally competitive solutions to global markets through own specialist know-how and partnerships. Patria’s owners are the Finnish State and EADS, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Order for 72 Caesar Cannons to GIAT Industries
 
 
(Source: French Ministry of Defence; issued Dec. 13, 2004)

(Issued in French; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)
 
 
 PARIS --- As set out in the French Army’s equipment modernisation objectives, reaffirmed by Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie during the budget debate in the Senate, on Dec. 6, the defence procurement agency, DGA, has awarded GIAT Industries an order for 72 truck-mounted (6x6 wheels) self-propelled guns derived from the Caesar concept.  
 
This order fulfils one of the undertakings given by the government as part of the company’s business plan contract, signed on March 26, 2004, and reinforces the company’s prospects.  
 
Valued at almost 300 million euros, including value-added tax, this contract covers the procurement of 72 guns with a 52-calibre, 155mm barrel. The program schedule calls for the service introduction of eight nine-gun batteries in the army by 2011.  
 
The contract also includes the operational support and maintenance of the weapons, under which GIAT Industries guarantees an availability rate of 80% of the inventory, and will ensure the supply and management of spare parts. These stringent contract conditions attest to the system’s technical maturity.  
 
The Caesar gun is an innovative artillery system. The weapons are air-transportable by C-130 or A400M aircraft, and their manoeuvrability makes them particularly mobile. The gun has a range of 40 kilometres, can fire all NATO-standard 155mm munitions as well as new munitions developed by France, such as the BONUS terminally-guided anti-tank round.  
 
During several demonstration and firing trials, several countries have expressed interest in the Caesar system, which is particularly well-suited to the requirements of rapid deployment forces.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Saab Wins RBS 70 Order from Czech Republic
 
 
(Source: Saab AB; issued Dec. 15, 2004)
 
 
 Saab Bofors Dynamics AB has won another contract for the RBS 70 Air Defence Missile System, this time with the Czech Armed Forces as the end customer.  
 
The order is worth MSEK 204 to Saab.  
 
"In the past three years we have sold RBS 70 systems worth a total of over one billion SEK. This shows that the system is well adapted to meeting different customers' demands for modern anti-aircraft defence, and is performing well in tough international competition," says Tomas Samuelsson, President of Saab Bofors Dynamics.  
 
Saab Bofors Dynamics won the contract for the RBS 70 in competition with other European and American missile systems. The Czech Republic will be the eighteenth nation to add the RBS 70 to its defence materiel.  
 
The order is for the upgraded version of the RBS 70 with a night sight, aircraft identification and the new Bolide missile.  
 
Deliveries will take place in 2005, 2006 and 2007.  
 
Saab is one of the world's leading high-technology companies, with its main operations focusing on defence, aviation and space. The group covers a broad spectrum of competence and capabilities in systems integration.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

General Dynamics Awarded $267 Million Contract for Egyptian M1A1 Co-production Program
 
 
(Source: General Dynamics Land Systems; issued Dec. 20, 2004)
 
 
 STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. --- The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, a $267 million modification to a previously awarded contract to produce 125 M1A1 Abrams tank kits for the Egyptian tank co-production program.  
 
Deliveries begin in 2005 and will continue through 2008.  
 
In December 2003 the U.S. Army awarded General Dynamics an $8.4 million long-lead material contract to begin work on this increment, which increases the number of Egyptian co-production-built M1A1 tanks to 880 since the program's inception in 1992.  
 
General Dynamics provides components for kits used in Egyptian M1A1 production.  
 
Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio, Scranton, Pa., Muskegon, Mich., Tallahassee, Fla., Anniston, Ala., and Imperial Valley, Calif., by existing General Dynamics Land Systems employees.  
 
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 71,600 people worldwide and anticipates 2004 revenue in excess of $19 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Patria Received AMV Vehicle Order from the Finnish Defence Forces
 
 
(Source: Patria; issued Dec. 22, 2004)
 
 
 Patria has today received an order for 62 Patria AMV armoured wheeled personnel carriers from the Finnish Defence Forces. A Memorandum of Intent had been signed earlier. The total value of the order is approximately EUR 96 million. Deliveries will take place in 2006 - 2007. The employment effect at Patria Vehicles will be approximately 400 man-years.  
 
The AMV 8x8 vehicles will be integrated with heavy machine gun turrets. The Finnish Defence Forces have already used two Patria AMV prototypes for about a year. Additionally the Finnish Defence Forces have ordered 24 AMV vehicles as chassis for the AMOS mortar system. These deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2006.  
 
Patria AMV has also raised keen international interest. In November 2004 the Polish Ministry of Defence officially approved AMV vehicles for army use after Polish verification tests. The AMV consequently fulfils all the requirements set by a NATO country. Currently, it is not only a totally new concept but also the only fourth generation armoured modular vehicle already in serial production on the market.  
 
Patria AMV has been successfully tested in the Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Croatia, South Africa and Brazil. The vehicle has also raised interest in several countries in Europe and Asia. The latest demonstrations of AMV vehicles have taken place in Lithuania and Latvia in December 2004.  
 
Patria is an internationally operating Aerospace and Defence Group with significant positions in the Nordic and Baltic Sea countries. Patria’s main business areas are armoured wheeled vehicles, mortars and field gun systems and their life cycle support as well as life cycle support of helicopters and aircraft. Patria delivers internationally competitive solutions to global markets through own specialist know-how and partnerships. Patria’s owners are the Finnish State and EADS, European Aerospace, Defence and Space Company. (ends)  
 
 
 
 Patria to Deliver Bridging and Breaching Systems to the Finnish Defence Forces
 
 
(Source: Patria; issued Dec. 22, 2004)
 
 
 Patria has received orders from the Finnish Defence Forces for the delivery of Bridging and Breaching Systems. The deliveries are scheduled to take place in 2006 - 2008. The total value of the deliveries is approximately EUR 72 million. Patria Weapon Systems is the prime contractor with a number of significant European defence industries as sub-contractors. The deliveries have a considerable effect on employment in 2005 - 2008.  
 
The order includes six Tracked Bridging Systems and nine Wheeled Bridging Systems as well as the tooling and training for the usage and maintenance as well as documentation. The Tracked Bridging Systems are based on Leopard 2A4 tanks. The Wheeled Bridging Systems are based on the Finnish Sisu off-road vehicles.  
 
The order includes also six Beaching Systems together with the tooling and training for the usage and maintenance as well as documentation. The Breaching Systems are mounted on the Leopard 2A4 assembled with full-width mine ploughs, combat dozers and line marking systems.  
 
Delivery of a total system is a new field for Patria Weapon Systems. In this project the supplier is in close cooperation with the customer all the way from the very beginning through the system’s entire life cycle. In connection of the project the domestic industry will create an ability to overhaul and maintain the new systems and strengthen its com-petence in system integration even further.  
 
Patria is an internationally operating Aerospace and Defence Group with significant positions in the Nordic and Baltic Sea countries. Patria’s main business areas are armoured wheeled vehicles, mortars and field gun systems and their life cycle support as well as life cycle support of helicopters and aircraft. Patria delivers internationally competitive solutions to global markets through own specialist know-how and partnerships. Patria’s owners are the Finnish State and EADS, European Aerospace, Defence and Space Company.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Lockheed Martin Receives $109 Million Contract for Low-Rate Production of Combat-Proven HIMARS
 
 
(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued Jan. 3, 2005)
 
 
 DALLAS, TX --- Lockheed Martin has received a $109.1 million contract for continued Low-Rate Initial Production-III (LRIP-III) of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. HIMARS, combat proven in Operation Iraqi Freedom, provides fire support for lighter, more mobile fighting forces.  
 
Under the contract, the third awarded under the program's LRIP phase, the Army plans to buy 37 HIMARS launchers and the Marines will buy one launcher. Total joint procurement of the system is expected to be more than 900 launchers. HIMARS can accommodate the entire family of Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) munitions, including the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile and Guided MLRS rocket.  
 
In November 2004, HIMARS successfully completed extensive operational testing, firing the entire MLRS Family of Munitions and hundreds of practice rockets in operational environments. Although the First Unit Equipped (FUE) milestone is not scheduled until calendar year 2005, and remains on track, HIMARS prototype launchers were sent to Iraq to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom, successfully completing a significant number of fire missions.  
 
"HIMARS has proven itself in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and in very rigorous operational testing," said Ron Abbott, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control's vice president - Tactical Missiles. "HIMARS is C-130 transportable, supports existing and new precision munitions, and it meets all of the requirements of the Future Force System."  
 
Because of its C-130 transportability, HIMARS can be deployed into areas previously inaccessible to larger launchers. It also incorporates the self-loading, autonomous features that have made MLRS the premier rocket artillery system in the world. HIMARS carries a single six-pack of MLRS rockets, or one ATACMS missile. Its fire control system, electronics and communications units are interchangeable with the existing MLRS M270A1 launcher, and the crew and training are the same.  
 
Additionally, HIMARS is capable of launching the new Guided MLRS, the next major step in the evolution of the MLRS Family of Munitions, offering advanced capabilities, reduced logistics support and precision attack. Designed to enable troops to engage and defeat artillery, air defense concentrations, trucks, light armor and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations, after launching, HIMARS can move away from the area at high speed before enemy forces are able to locate the launch site.  
 
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2003 sales of $31.8 billion.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

United Defense Awarded $8.8 Million Contract for Egyptian Recovery Vehicle Co-Production Effort
 
 
(Source: United Defense Industries; issued Jan. 4, 2005)
 
 
 YORK, Pa. --- United Defense Industries, Inc. has been awarded an $8.8 million contract modification from the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command to provide manufacturing technical assistance in support of the co-production of 21 M88A2 HERCULES recovery vehicles in Egypt.  
 
The awarded work is to be performed primarily at the Egyptian Tank Plant (ETP) in Cairo beginning January 2005 and continuing through December 2006.  
 
"The M88A2 HERCULES is meeting the recovery needs of the Egyptian Land Forces, providing the safe, effective recovery of their 70-ton main battle tanks. The cost-effective M88A2 HERCULES delivers significantly improved towing power, lifting muscle and winch strength to the soldiers of the Egyptian Land Forces in completing their main battle tank recovery missions," said John G. Tile, United Defense's Director of Recovery Systems.  
 
Previously, United Defense was awarded a $53M contract to provide the material for the follow-on co-production of the 21 additional M88A2 HERCULES recovery vehicles at the ETP, with associated spare parts.  
 
United Defense designs, develops and produces combat vehicles, artillery, naval guns, missile launchers and precision munitions used by the U.S. Department of Defense and allies worldwide, and provides non-nuclear ship repair, modernization and conversion to the U.S. Navy and other U.S. Government agencies.  
 
-ends-

[Lynx]

) The Pentagon’s undersecretary of defence for policy Doug Feith accused top Israeli defence ministry official on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deal between Israel and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and claimed that this has caused a confidence crisis between the Pentagon and the Israeli MoD.

Israel’s Channel Two television reported on 15 December that Feith had demanded the resignation of retired Maj. Gen. Amos Yaron, the widely respected and longtime director-general of Israel’s MoD. According to the reports, Feith was ‘outraged’ that he was not informed the UAV sale to China few years ago, and demanded the resignation of retired Maj. Gen. Amos Yaron, the widely respected and long-time director-general of Israel’s MoD.

This is also the first time that the existence of such a deal between China and Israel is confirmed. China reportedly acquired some unknown number of the Israeli Aerospace Industry (IAI)’s Harpy Attack UAV in 1994. In summer 2004 some of these UAVs were sent back to Israel to be upgraded for better performance. The Pentagon has already demanded that Israel not to deliver these UAVs to China, even though they are properties of the PRC.

Harpy is the armed UAV developed by IAI in the 1990s. It is a unique weapon system with features of both UAV and cruise missile. Launched from a ground vehicle or surface warship far away from the battle zone, the Harpy UAV can detect, attack and destroy radar emitters in all-weather conditions, day/night over a distance of 500kg. Once an enemy radar is detected and verified, the UAV transitions into a near vertical dive and destroy the target with its high explosive warhead.

As well as in service with the Israeli Defence Force, the Harpy UAV has also been exported to Turkey and India. The Western intelligence first identified Harpy UAVs in service with the PLA in the joint PLA exercise held near the Taiwan Strait in 2004. The Bush administration has pressured Israel to ‘roll back’ on its defence relations with China.

[JLRC]

Sultanate of Oman Agrees to Purchase Raytheon-Lockheed Martin Javelin Anti-Tank Weapon System
 
 
(Source: Raytheon/Lockheed Martin JAVELIN Joint Venture; issued Jan. 6, 2005)
 
 
 ORLANDO, Fla. --- The armed forces of the Sultan of Oman have selected Javelin for Oman's medium-range anti-tank guided weapon requirement. In October, the Government of Oman signed a Letter of Agreement with the U.S. Government to procure approximately 100 Javelin missiles and a corresponding number of command launch units, along with training and support packages.  
 
This selection marks the Raytheon-Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture's tenth international sale of the advanced anti-tank weapon system.  
 
"The Javelin Product Office of the Close Combat Project Office is extremely pleased that Oman has selected Javelin," said Col. Lloyd McDaniels, U.S. Army Close Combat Weapon Systems project manager.  
 
"Javelin provides Oman with a highly effective means of deterrence for its soldiers," said Michael Crisp, president, Javelin Joint Venture. "Javelin gives the soldier an unprecedented capability to defeat any armored or platform, both today and in the future. Additionally, Javelin is highly effective against alternate targets."  
 
"Oman's detailed evaluation process included assessments of whole life costs and worldwide supportability. Javelin's high reliability, worldwide support and very low operational and maintenance costs were key factors. The selection of Javelin by Oman represents a key strategic sale in the region," said Howard Weaver, Javelin Joint Venture vice president.  
 
Raytheon Company provides system engineering management and support for the Javelin Joint Venture and produces the command launch unit, missile guidance electronic unit and system software. Work is performed primarily at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz., and at other Raytheon facilities in Texas, Massachusetts and California.  
 
Lockheed Martin provides missile engineering and production support for the Javelin Joint Venture in Orlando, Fla., produces the missile seeker in Ocala, Fla., and performs missile all-up-round assembly in Troy, Ala.  
 
The combat-proven Javelin is in service with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps and has been used extensively on operations including Operation Iraqi Freedom. Along with the Omani selection of Javelin, other nations that have already selected Javelin include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Australia and New Zealand. Javelin is also on order for the armed forces of several other countries and is being evaluated for integration onto ground and naval platforms.  
 
With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon Company is a global technology leader in Defense, government and commercial electronics, and business and special mission aircraft.  
 
Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Taiwan Unveils New Vehicle, Stresses Need for Defenses  
 
 
(Source: Agence France Presse; issued Jan. 11, 2005)
 
 
 NANTOU, Taiwan ---Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian on Jan.11 unveiled a new, homemade armored vehicle, stressing the need to beef up self-defense capabilities with rival China preparing a hostile law aimed at the island.  
 
“Beijing has continued to suppress Taiwan’s space in the international community and even attempts to create a legal basis for the use of force against Taiwan in the so-called anti-secession law,” Chen said at a military base in central Taiwan.  
 
“Therefore, A Bian (Chen’s nickname) urges the public to support the (government) policy of strengthening self-defense capabilities,” he said while unveiling the eight-wheeled, CM-32 armored vehicle.  
 
Chen named the vehicle “Yun Pao” (Cloud Leopard) for its mobility, speed and firepower. “Yun Pao” was jointly developed by the military and industrial research institutions in a 700 million Taiwan dollar ($21.88 million) project launched in 2002.  
 
It has a maximum speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and is especially designed for Taiwan’s hilly topography.  
 
Equipped with guns, “Yun Pao” will become the army’s most powerful armored vehicle when mass production starts in 2007.  
 
Taiwan, worried about China’s growing military strength, has been upgrading its weaponry research and development abilities in recent years.  
 
The defense ministry reportedly has successfully test-fired its Hsiung Feng III supersonic anti-ship missile in November in a major military technology breakthrough. The missile is believed to outperform China’s Russia-made SS-N-22 Sunburn supersonic anti-ship missile.  
 
Taiwan and China split in 1949 after a civil war but Beijing still considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Thales and EADS Appointed Co-Prime Contractors for SIC Terre Programme
 
 
(Source: EADS; issued 12 Jan. 2005)
 
 
 The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has appointed Thales and EADS DCS as joint industrial prime contractors on the MOIE SIC Terre programme for the French Army's information and communication systems.  
 
The overall contract is worth 230 million euros. Thales will assume a 70% share of the contract, while the EADS workshare will be 30%, with Thales as lead contractor.  
 
As a key battlefield digitisation programme, MOIE SIC Terre will increase combat effectiveness by networking all players in the battlespace and speeding up the operational tempo through:  
 
--automated information exchange;  
--controlled networking of all information at all levels of the command chain;  
--enhanced interoperability in national, multinational and NATO environments.  
 
The MOIE SIC Terre programme will provide a common technical platform to network all the French Army's information and communication systems, currently developed independently. This single, shared platform will guarantee interoperability between the French Army's legacy and future systems, as well as with other armed forces and nations. It will also optimise the total cost of ownership and facilitate deployment in the theatre of operations, by ensuring coherent implementation.  
 
Under the contract: Thales and EADS will integrate the French Army's fourteen existing communication and information systems and significantly improve the operational capabilities of the command chain.  
 
Thales and EADS will develop a complete technical platform incorporating a common model for displaying operational information and integrating the latest information system, security and IP communication technologies.  
 
Thales will develop and produce the next generation of SICF command and control information systems for the French Army's major units, based on this common technical platform. To carry out the MOIE SIC Terre contract, Thales and EADS will draw on the recommendations of the ATTILA study, which Thales conducted to define a new, unified communication architecture based on IP technologies. These recommendations are already being implemented on the SIC 21 programme, which calls for development of a new-generation command, control and information system for the French Navy.  
 
The SIC 21 contract was awarded to Thales in January 2004.  
 
-ends-