Defesanet 02 Junho 2005 BAE Systems 19 Maio 2005

SWEDEN ORDERS 102 ARMOURED PATROL VEHICLES FROM SOUTH AFRICA'S LAND SYSTEMS OMC

South Africa's leading armoured and peacekeeping vehicle manufacturer BAE Systems Land Systems OMC has scored another export success with FMV, the Swedish Procurement Agency, confirming a production order for 102 specialist RG-32M patrol vehicles valued at close to ZAR 180 million.

This follows the successful delivery and trials of a pre-production vehicle as part of a contract signed with FMV in May 2004 when Land Systems OMC beat stiff international competition in Sweden's mine-hardened patrol vehicle (MHPV) evaluation programme

The Swedish order comes shortly after the United States placed an order for 148 of Land Systems OMC's RG-31 medium mine-protected vehicles, the largest single new vehicle export contract ever placed on a South African defence manufacturer for what is considered by many the best mine-protected vehicle in the world.

"The Swedish order confirms Land Systems OMC's growing stature as a world-class leader in the provision of customised armoured vehicles," says Land Systems OMC Managing Director, Johan Steyn. "Export revenues, turnover and job creation will all receive a major boost from the US and Swedish orders," he continued.

Land Systems OMC's 25% black empowerment shareholder, DGD Technologies 2001 (Pty) Ltd has also welcomed the 102 vehicle Swedish order. Khaphametsi Maleke, DGD Technologies 2001 spokesperson, said the contract was another important one.

"A further 102 vehicle order hot on the heels of the 148 vehicles for the US will send a buzz down our production line," she said.

Production of the technologically advanced RG-32M mine-hardened patrol vehicle (MHPV) will start immediately at Land Systems OMC's Benoni plant outside Johannesburg. The first ten vehicles will be delivered by year-end and thereafter production is scheduled to proceed at ten vehicles a month during 2006.

This particular version of the RG-32M has been extensively customised to meet customer and regulatory quality standards, including homologation for Sweden and Europe. Modifications included changes to axles, wheels and tyres, bonnet and louvres, steering wheel and instrument panel. The "winterisation" of the vehicle for Sweden's -35°C temperature extremes is also a new feature for the RG32-M.

Land Systems OMC's RG32-M for Sweden also features two unique developments in this class of vehicle: a full armoured body in station-wagon configuration for up to nine personnel, and an engine bay with ballistic protection.

"It is our objective to delight the customer and the Swedish reception to our pre-production vehicle is proof that we have achieved this and more," says Gert Pretorius, Engineering Manager at Land Systems OMC.

"FMV has indicated to us that they and the users are extremely happy with the vehicle itself, the manner in which the development programme has taken place and Land Systems OMC's ability to meet the requirements and the challenges that this has brought. Our success in Sweden and our growing reputation internationally is due to our technology, the reputation of the company and its vehicles, our excellent relationship with the customer, FMV and, very importantly, our 'can do' attitude. Since winning the original bid, Land Systems OMC has become part of the global BAE Systems network, which has proved to be another important factor in our growing international profile," he said.

Land Systems OMC's high-profile successes with the RG32-M in Sweden and the RG-31 in the US have stimulated international interest in the South African vehicle producer, drawing enquiries for these and other products in Land Systems OMC's vehicle line-up already used by customers in over 40 countries.

Land Systems OMC is a business unit of BAE Systems Land Systems.

About OMC's RG-32M

" Hull: all-steel welded armoured monocoque
" High level of tactical mobility
" Ample doors and hatches
" High use of COTS components
" 3 x RG-32Ms can be carried in a C-130 aircraft

About Land Systems OMC

1. BAE Systems - Land Systems OMC is South Africa's primary military vehicle facility and covers all disciplines of the military vehicle spectrum including conceptualisation, design, development, manufacture, production, and in-service support. The company specialises in a wide range of wheeled armoured vehicles and mine-protected vehicles and supplies South Africa and other African and overseas defence markets. The company's offices and plant are situated in Benoni, Gauteng. To know more visit www.baesystemsomc.co.za

2. OMC currently supports over 95% of the SA Army's armoured vehicle capability, including: Olifant MBT, Rooikat AFV, Ratel ICV, and Casspir, Mamba, Okapi and Mfezi MPVs. The company maintains facilities and capabilities for the maintenance, repair, upgrade and logistic support of all of these vehicles, which includes the provision of support teams when required at bases where such vehicles are deployed.

3. OMC is also responsible for the maintenance and support of other SA Army main equipment including SAMIL trucks, bridging equipment and Engineer combat tractors. Much of the SAMIL support is effected through OMC's dealer network, which includes 14 Black Empowerment dealers.

4. The companies formally known as Alvis OMC and Alvis Gear Ratio were acquired by BAE SYSTEMS with effect from 2 September 2004. Today these form intrinsic elements of BAE SYSTEMS' Land Systems unit, one of the world's largest makers of security, peacekeeping and military vehicles.

5. BAE Systems holds a 75% share of the Land Systems South Africa business, the remaining 25% being held by DGD Technologies (2001) (Pty) Ltd, a South African company. Land Systems South Africa has two divisions, OMC and Gear Ratio. The latter is a specialist manufacturer of transmission systems and components to local and overseas OEMs. It is situated in Alrode, Alberton.

6. Other business streams in Land Systems are Land Systems UK - Munitions & Ordnance, Land Systems UK - Weapons and Vehicles and Land Systems Sweden - Hägglunds. As part of BAE Systems, Land Systems' goal is to develop a land business both in its home markets of the UK, Sweden, South Africa, France, US and internationally.

7. Our customers are changing, driving for enhanced military capability at lower cost and are seeking to deliver this through long term partnerships with industry. Our track record uniquely positions us to respond to these changes.

8. Land Systems' strategy and organisation structure, supported by its 5,100 employees, is designed to meet customer requirements. Our strategy is to work closely with our customers to optimise their military capability, both now and in the future, by delivering the most efficient, value for money systems and solutions.

Our aim is to enhance customers' military capability by delivering the most efficient systems and solutions - always.

About BAE Systems Land Systems:
BAE Systems Land Systems has some 5,100 employees across four business streams: Land Systems Hagglunds, Land Systems Weapons & Vehicles, Land Systems Munitions & Ordnance and Land Systems South Africa.

Land Systems' product portfolio includes military vehicles, main battle tanks, munitions, artillery, armoured personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, turreted weapon systems, engineering vehicles and bridging equipment that can be fully integrated and supported to meet a range of customer requirements.