KARLSKOGA, Sweden -- BAE Systems has won a contract worth pound 5.5 million for the 105mm infra-red artillery shell Luma IR from the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Series production starts immediately and the 4000 rounds will be delivered during 2010 and 2011. Final assembly will be at BAE Systems' Weapons business facilities in Karlskoga, Sweden. Orders for further quantities could follow.

Luma IR can be fired from the 105mm Light Gun, currently in service with UK forces in Afghanistan.

The order is separate from the long-term partnering contract for the supply of munitions signed between BAE Systems' UK Munitions business and the MoD in August 2008. However, a 155mm carrier round is being developed under this agreement and the Luma IR payload could form part of that family. The first carrier payloads, which will include white light, smoke, and potentially sensor payloads, will be ready for qualification in early 2012.

BAE Systems already supplies an 81mm mortar infra-red round to the UK MoD.

BAE Systems
15.12.2010