LINKOPING, Sweden, May 23, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- A 450 MSEK (83 M AUD) contract has been secured by Adelaide-based technology company Saab Systems Pty Ltd. Australia, for the supply of an Air Defence System for the Australian Army. The Short Range Air Defence (SHORAD) system will upgrade and enhance the capability of the Australian Army.
Acting Managing Director, Saab Systems Pty Ltd., Australia, Mr Peter Wimmerstrom said, "We are very happy to have secured this important contract for Australia and see the decision as an endorsement of the broad range of capabilities our company offers in a very competitive world-wide market."
The contract is comprised of three major components, RBS70 Air Defense Missile System, Portable Search and Target Acquisition Radar (PSTAR) and a Tactical Command and Control System (TaCCS).
The RBS70 is the most modern man-portable short range air defense system available today and can be integrated with advanced Battlefield Management systems, allowing a commander to vastly increase air defense capability.
The PSTAR is a lightweight, portable air defense radar from Lockheed Martin.
Saab Bofors Dynamics makes the man-portable RBS70 missile system. It offers very effective protection from low level aircraft and helicopters and since it uses a laser guidance system is immune to jamming. The RBS70 has been in the Australian inventory for 15 years and negotiations regarding further orders are under way.
The Tactical Command and Control System draws the components together, linking the radar sensor to the missile system and providing a combined local air picture, threat evaluation and target assignment.
As prime contractor, Saab Systems will employ additional staff to deliver the project which is expected to be completed by January 2006.
Saab is one of the world's leading high-technology companies, with its main operations focusing on defense, aviation and space. The group covers a broad spectrum of competence and capabilities in systems integration.
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