International success continues for 'SPIKE'
22 Oct 2002
The SPIKE system - a key contender in the Australian Defence Force's (ADFs) Land 40 Phase 1 guided weapons programme - has recently been selected by the Polish Government to bring its armed forces up to NATO standards.
The Polish decision, in July 2002, will result in a programme that could be worth around US$250 million over the next 10 years.
Poland joins Finland, The Netherlands and Singapore, who have already selected SPIKE as their choice of direct fire anti-armour weapon, over other options.
BAE Systems, MBDA and RAFAEL have teamed to bid for the Australian programme.
"BAE Systems plans to provide a fully integrated logistics support package to the ADF for SPIKE. This would ensure sustained capability for the Australian Army," said John Hamilton, Deputy Marketing Director, Land, BAE Systems Australia.
"SPIKE not only operates as a 'fire and forget' system, but also as a 'fire, observe and update' system. This means that while the missile is in flight, the user can steer the missile to an optimised aim-point, and also divert the missile away should the need arise - thus minimising collateral damage and reducing the risk of fratricide. This capability is unique to SPIKE and is key to its international success."
"In addition, SPIKE's thermal imager, which works at a wavelength well suited to Australian conditions, and its high magnification daylight optics, permit the system to be used for battlefield intelligence gathering. SPIKE also has a tripod, which supports the weapon both during firing and, most importantly, during long duration observation missions", he said.
SPIKE is currently under competitive evaluation for similar user requirements in the United Kingdom and Canada. A decision is expected by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) by the end of 2002.
The Australian Defence Force's Land 40 Phase 1 project Request For Tender (RFT) is expected to be released around the same time as the UK MoD decision.
The Land 40 Phase 1 project seeks to provide the Australian Army with a medium range, man-portable, crew-served, guided weapon system for attacking armoured vehicles, bunkers and buildings.
LAND 40 Phase 1 is estimated to be worth A$150m - A$250m, and the preferred contractor announcement is scheduled for early July 2003.
About BAE SYSTEMS:
BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around 13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.
In Australia, the company employs 2,500 people, supports customers at more than 50 locations across the country and has its centre of operations in Adelaide. BAE Systems Australia is structured into three businesses and is a leader in engineering and systems integration and is a major supplier of support services, electronics and software.
About MBDA:
With an annual turnover exceeding 2 billion, a forward order book of 13 billion, MBDA is Europe's leading guided weapons group. MBDA has 45 missile systems in operational service and a further 30 in development for air forces, armies and navies around the world. MBDA has designed and produced a range of anti-armour weapons including the Milan medium-range weapon, in service with 43 countries, Eryx and Hot and is the design authority for the Long Range TRIGAT third generation anti-armour system. The group employs 10,000 across 12 main sites in Europe and the USA.
The company became a trading entity on 18 December 2001 following the merger of the guided weapons groups of Matra BAe Dynamics, Aerospatiale Matra Missiles and Alenia Marconi Systems. MBDA is owned by BAE Systems (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and Finmeccanica (25%).
About RAFAEL:
Founded in 1948, RAFAEL has researched, developed, produced and marketed advanced weapon systems for over half a century. Drawing on the Israel Defense Forces combat experience, RAFAEL employs in-house know-how to provide cost-effective, state-of-the-art systems and components for military and commercial applications.
RAFAEL technology is tailored to the needs of an extensive list of satisfied customers, including some of the world's leading armed forces. RAFAEL has also proven to be a sound partner in joint ventures and complicated technology transfer programs with a wide variety of organizations.
With 4600 employees, annual sales of over US $680 million a year and representative offices in key markets worldwide, RAFAEL enjoys a growing presence in the international community.
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