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Thales Nederland signs contract for three Goalkeepers

25 November 2006

Thales Nederland successfully concluded a contract with the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) for the delivery of three Goalkeeper Close in Weapon Systems to be installed onboard the ROKN KDX III Destroyers. The delivery will take place between end 2006 and early 2008.

The KDX III will be equipped with the AEGIS Combat System. This is the first time that a Goalkeeper Close in Weapon System will be installed on an AEGIS destroyer. Goalkeeper will be integrated in the AEGIS Combat System as an autonomous Close in Weapon System.

For the initial Close In Weapon System procurement for the KDX Program in the early nineties, the ROKN evaluated Goalkeeper with its 30 mm Gatling Gun (subcontracted from General Dynamics) versus alternative Close In Weapon Systems based on 20 mm Gatling Guns and or modular Close in Weapon System configurations. Goalkeeper fully complied with the ROKN requirement for CIWS and after intensive competition was selected for installation on the KDX Destroyer Program. Taking into account the medium to long range capabilities of the S-Band AEGIS Combat System, Goalkeeper is an excellent choice for the KDX III last ditch defence.

In the past, Thales-NL concluded contracts for 16 Goalkeeper systems for installation onboard KDX I, KDX II Destroyers and the LPX Landing Platform. Nine Goalkeeper systems are already fully operational onboard KDX Destroyers to the full satisfaction of the ROK Navy.

About Thales Nederland
Thales-NL is a high-tech company specialised in integrated above-water systems for surveillance, weapon control, and command and control. Thales Nederland's product range comprises systems suitable for all classes and types of naval vessels, ranging from small high-speed intercept craft, large ocean capable patrol boats and corvettes to frigates and landing platform docks. Thales Nederland is the naval centre of excellence for radar and combat management of Thales, an international electronics and systems group, serving defence, aerospace, services and security markets. The group employs 62,000 people worldwide and generated revenues of 10.6 billion euro in 2003.