Contracts

BAE Systems awarded $834 million contract for lightweight howitzer

BAE Systems has been awarded an $834 million dollar contract for full-rate production of the M777A1 howitzer. The M777A1 is a lightweight 155mm howitzer and a critical fire support component of U.S. Marine Air Ground Task Forces and U.S. Army Stryker Brigade Combat Teams.

Defence Industry

Active Protection for Armored Fighting Vehicles from RAFAEL and ELTA

Haifa, March 8, 2005 - RAFAEL Armament Development Authority Ltd., as prime contractor and ELTA Systems Group as part of the team, introduce the TROPHY Active Protection System (APS) for Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFV).

Contracts

iRobot wins $18 million U.S. Navy contract to deliver explosive ordnance disposal robots

It has been awarded a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) contract worth over $18 million to deliver its iRobot PackBot® EOD robots – explosive ordnance disposal robots – for rapid deployment in support of U.S. troops around the world. iRobot PackBot EOD robots are combat-proven and are being used daily in Iraq and Afghanistan to disarm roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Army

Army raises enlistment age for reservists to 39

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Army, stung by recruiting shortfalls caused by the Iraq war, has raised the maximum age for new recruits for the part-time Army Reserve and National Guard by five years to 39, officials said today.

Defence Industry

Making the Best Tank Better

Abrams Fares Well in Iraq, But U.S. Army Seeks Safety Upgrades.

Defence Industry

Otokar: a major player in Turkish defence inductry

Otokar, the leader manufacturer in Turkish Defence Industry, exhibited two models of Cobra, armoured wheeled vehicle designed and produced by Otokar, during IDEX 2005 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, between 12th and 17th February.

Contracts

General Dynamics Awarded $11 Million Modification to Previously Awarded Canadian LAV III Contract

The Canadian Department of National Defence has awarded a $10.9 million CAD modification to a previously awarded contract for LAV III vehicles to General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada. General Dynamics Land Systems, the Canadian company's parent corporation, is a business unit of General Dynamics.

Defence Industry

BAE Systems wins competition for 105 mm improved ammunition

BAE Systems today announced that it has won a contact from the UK MOD for the manufacture and initial supply of 105mm Improved Ammunition (IA) for the L118 105mm Light Gun. The contract will, subject to successful qualification, lead to an initial buy of 50,000 shells valued at approximately £17M.

Defence Industry

Strategic Alliance between Denel and Nitrochemie: Bundling of resources and platforms to strengthen international business ties

Nitrochemie Aschau GmbH, of Aschau, Germany, has entered a long-term strategic alliance with the South African company Denel Land Systems, Western Cape. Cooperation will focus on the development of improved modular propelling charges for 105 mm and 155 mm cal. artillery systems.

Future Technologies

United Defense Integrates Electro-Magnetic Armor Technology on Combat Vehicle and Defeats Live Threats

SANTA CLARA, CA, March 16, 2005 - United Defense Industries, Inc. (NYSE:UDI) achieved another industry first by successfully defeating incoming threats during live-fire testing of an Electro-Magnetic Armor (EMA) package fully integrated on a hybrid electric drive combat vehicle demonstrator.

Contracts

General Dynamics Receives Order for Fifth Stryker Brigade Vehicles

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. - The U.S. Army has ordered a fifth brigade of Stryker wheeled combat vehicles from General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). The order for 423 vehicles to equip the brigade is valued at $582 million. Vehicle deliveries are slated for January 2006 through January 2007.

Contracts

General Dynamics Awarded Contract Worth Up To USD $78 Million for RG-31 Vehicles

LONDON, Ontario, Canada - The U.S. Army Communication and Electronics Command, on behalf of the U.S. Army Program Manager for Close Combat Systems, has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada a contract with a potential value not to exceed USD $78 million (CAD $97 million) for 148 RG-31 Medium Mine Protected Vehicles. Included in this price is USD $3 million in spare parts. General Dynamics Land Systems, the Canadian company's parent corporation, is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).

Contracts

General Dynamics Awarded $161 Million for M1A2 Tank Retrofit

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. - The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), a $161 million modification as part of a $283 million contract to retrofit 129 M1A2 Abrams tanks with an enhanced electronics package. The retrofitted tanks will modernize the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

Defence Industry

United Defense to be Acquired by BAE Systems

United Defense Industries, Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with BAE Systems North America Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc.

Defence Industry

Israeli Firm Wins U.S. Weapons Contract in Iraq

Israeli company Plasan Sasa has won a contract to provide armor for U.S. military vehicles in Iraq, company sources said March 8.