British soldiers will get even better logistics support for their AS90 guns and the MOD will save some £29 million over the next five years, thanks to a new partnering arrangement between the MOD and BAE Systems, Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Drayson announced today. Levels of spares availability for the AS90, a 155mm self-propelled gun, will also be significantly improved as the result of the £60 million contract awarded by MOD`s Defence Logistics Organisation.

The announcement was made at the official opening of Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) 2005, one of the largest defence vehicle shows in Europe, where the defence sector can see at first hand the latest products and developments in military, commercial and emergency vehicles.

Lord Drayson, said: "DVD is important for both MOD and industry as it represents a unique opportunity for exhibiting and demonstrating, both on and off road, industry`s latest military, specialist, commercial and emergency vehicles. It brings together all those involved in producing, procuring and providing logistics support to a vast array of vehicles that helps ensure our Armed Forces continue to have the very best vehicles available to them. "The partnering contract demonstrates the innovative way MOD and industry are working together to produce new cost effective support solutions.

Industry has greater flexibility to provide the required support in the most efficient way, ensuring our Armed Forces continue to have the best support available. The new arrangements are expected to produce some £29 million in savings, representing excellent value to British taxpayers." Now in its fifth year, DVD features a vast and diverse range of vehicles and support services, from emergency `blue light` vehicles to the latest combat support vehicles used in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. BACKGROUND NOTES: 1. DVD is organised by MOD`s Specialist and Utility Vehicles Integrated Project Team (SUV IPT).

The theme for this year`s events is `Through Life` reflecting SUV IPT`s prominence within the Defence Logistics Organisation and Defence Procurement Agency as a truly Through Life IPT. DVD also gives visitors, of which thousands have pre-registered to attend, a rare chance to try many of the vehicles themselves in a realistic environment, including a high-speed ring and the extensive off-road section, complete with infamous one-in-one hill. 2. AS90 is a 155mm self-propelled gun that equips six Field Regiments of the Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Artillery. Fitted with a standard barrel, AS90 can fire the NATO L15 unassisted 155mm projectile (96lbs) 24.

7 km. With a long (52 Calibre) barrel the gun can reach out to 30 km using standard ammunition, and 60-80 km with Extended Range (ERA). AS90 is equipped with an autonomous Navigation and Gun Laying system (AGLS) based on the vehicles inertial navigation system, the Dynamic Reference Unit (DRU). (ends) BAE Systems Wins New, Innovative Support Contract for AS90 (Source: BAE Systems; issued June 29, 2005) British soldiers will get even better logistics support for their AS90 guns and the MoD will save some £29 million over the next five years, thanks to a new partnering arrangement between the MoD and BAE Systems, Minister for Defence Procurement Lord Drayson announced today.

Levels of spares availability for the AS90, a 155mm self-propelled gun, will also be significantly improved as the result of the £60 million contract awarded by MoD’s Defence Logistics Organisation to BAE Systems. The announcement was made at the official opening of DVD 2005, one of the largest defence vehicle shows in Europe which is taking place at Millbrook near Bedford, UK. Lord Drayson said: “The partnering contract demonstrates the innovative way MoD and industry are working together to produce new cost effective support solutions. Industry has greater flexibility to provide the required support in the most efficient way, ensuring our Armed Forces continue to have the best support available.

The new arrangements are expected to produce some £29 million in savings, representing excellent value to British taxpayers.” Andrew Davies, Managing Director of BAE Systems Land Systems, said, “The AS90 equipment support agreement is the first incentivised platform support contract in Land. Valuable lessons have been learnt from the air and naval sectors that we have been able to bring to the table on this support contract. The partnering approach to delivery and the good working relationship between the DLO and BAE Systems will hopefully signify the new approach to support contracting of Land Systems platforms in the future”.

BACKGROUND NOTES: -- AS90 is a 155mm self-propelled gun that equips six field regiments of the Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Artillery. Fitted with a standard barrel, AS90 can fire the NATO L15 unassisted 155mm projectile (96lbs) 24.7 km. AS90 is equipped with an autonomous Navigation and Gun Laying system (AGLS) based on the vehicles inertial navigation system, the Dynamic Reference Unit (DRU). --146 AS90 guns are in service with the British Army. BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs nearly 100,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately $25 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.

UK Ministry of Defence
01.07.2005