(NSI News Source Info) Haifa, Israel - February 23, 2009: Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today that it was awarded $55 million contracts in Europe.
In Slovenia, it signed a contract to supply overhead remote controlled weapon stations and unmanned turrets as well as other electronic and electro-optical systems and components for the Slovenian Armored Vehicle Program. Elbit Systems' portion of the Program is valued at approximately $ 40 million, with deliveries scheduled to take place through 2011. The Patria AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) is an 8x8 or 6x6 multi-role military vehicle produced by the Finnish weapons manufacturer Patria. The first prototype was produced in 2001 and the first vehicles were delivered to the Finnish Army in 2003. Serial production was started in 2004.
The main feature of the AMV is its modular design, which allows the incorporation of different turrets, weapons, sensors, or communications systems on the same carriage. Designs exist for different APC (armoured personnel carrier) and IFV (infantry fighting vehicle) versions, communications versions, ambulance versions and different fire support versions, armed with large caliber mortar and gun systems. One very important feature is that the AMV has a top-class mine protection and can withstand explosions up to 10 kilograms (22 lb) TNT. The AMV has protection levels up to 30mm APFSDS frontal arc.
Elbit Systems' selection is pursuant to cooperation with Patria AMV, owned by the state of Finland and the European Aeronautic Defense and Space company EADS N.V. Patria, together with the Slovenian company Rotis d.o.o, was selected by the Slovenian Ministry of Defense to be the prime contractor for the supply of the Slovenian Armored Vehicle Program. The Program covers 135 vehicles.
Elbit Systems' portion of the Program includes laser detection systems and the delivery, integration and installation of 30mm Unmanned Turrets and 12.7/40 mm Overhead Remote Controlled Weapon System (ORCWS) onboard Patria AMV 8X8 vehicles.
In Romania, Elbit System was awarded lately a contract to supply unmanned turrets and electro-optic systems valued at approximately $15 million, with deliveries scheduled to be performed over the next three years.
The Romanian Government selected Mowag GmbH, of the General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems Group, to be the prime contractor in this project, and it will supply the Piranha III vehicles for the program. Elbit Systems' portion of the program includes the delivery of 12.7 mm unmanned turrets and various electro-optic and electronic subsystems, including the DTV- Driver Thermal Viewer and other systems.
The majority of the work will be performed in Romania by Elbit Systems' subsidiary Elmet International srl., with the collaboration of the Romanian company Pro-Optica S.A.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, Corporate V.P. and General Manager of Elbit Systems' C4I & Land Systems Division, said: "The selection of our systems for the projects attests to our ability to provide a completely integrated configuration for fighting/patrol/surveillance vehicles, including Unmanned Turrets equipped with missiles fire control and threat detection systems.
Machlis added: "We are proud to be selected to take part in those important projects. The selection of our unmanned turrets constitutes a breakthrough in an emerging international market emanating from a shift in the modern battlefield. "
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