Thales secures a major optronics contract from the UK Ministry of Defence
22 August 2001
Adam Ingram MP, Minister of State for the Armed Forces, today announced that Thales Optronics Limited, has won a UK MOD order of approximately #230 million (360 million euros), for vehicle optronics systems on the Battle Group Thermal Imaging (BGTI) programme. This is the largest order ever received by the Glasgow based business of Thales and significantly places Thales in the forefront of the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) upgrade market and re-inforces the strong position already established by Thales in the UK Main Battle Tank (MBT) market.
This contract which covers the manufacture, installation and support of the BGTI systems into the Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) fleet and the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (CVR(T)) platforms will help safeguard employment over a 7 year period at the Thales Optronics facility in Glasgow and will benefit other Thales companies and suppliers within UK. The number of vehicles to be converted with BGTI equipment is around 700 with the upgraded vehicles entering service in 2003. The UK MoD is currently reviewing the future shape of the Army and there is a possibility that further contractual options will be exercised to procure additional BGTI systems.
The BGTI System provides a second generation thermal imaging Gunners Sight, Commanders Crew Station and navigation equipment using proven technology largely developed within Thales and Avimo (now part of the Thales Group). BGTI will replace the existing Image Intensified systems on the Warrior and CVR(T), with a system which delivers a 24 hour operating capability as well as enhancing the detection, recognition and identification of targets in poor visibility. This upgrade offers a significant enhancement in the situational awareness of the crew and is the first step in the longer term plan to improve the capability of the Warrior fleet.
Speaking from the Company' s site in Glasgow, Tom O' Neill, Director of Thales Defence Optronic Systems, said, "adoption of the BGTI System by the UK Armed Forces is an important step for the British Army and will greatly enhance the export potential of this system. In particular the BGTI Gunners Sight offers high performance at an affordable cost. A 24 hour night fighting and improved situational awareness capability is essential for today' s battlefield and our workforce in Glasgow, Staines and Taunton are delighted that the UK MOD has selected this system."
Thales Optronics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thales, is the leading UK prime contractor for vehicle sighting systems and within the Thales group, is the centre of excellence for sight design, development and production. This was reinforced recently when the Company won another UK production contract for Stairs 'C' , the highest performing thermal camera in the world and a contract to develop the Commander' s sight for the UK MRAV programme.
Press contacts :
Matt Pothecary
Tel : +33 (0) 1 53 77 86 26
Thales Optronics
Tim Orr
Tel: +44 (0) 141 440 4393
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