Firm wins £30m laser eye contract
A £30m contract to provide stateoftheart laser vision to frontline forces has been won by the Glasgowbased firm Thales.
The allweather day and night target locator kit enables troops to pinpoint the exact location and distance of enemy forces within 3.1 miles (5km).
Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "This will help deliver more effective use of firepower and save lives."
The Surveillance System Range Finder is expected to enter service in 2009.
The handheld equipment has builtin GPS and thermal imaging.
Mr Browne added: "This new equipment for our troops is made in Scotland, where some of the most advanced optical equipment is being developed to deliver world class capabilities for Britain’s armed forces."
Thales UK’s optronics site in Glasgow employs 530 staff.
David Lockwood, managing director of the Glasgow site, said: "This is a great opportunity for Thales, which has been equipping the armed forces for many years, and a real boost for the workforce.
"It allows us to retain and develop our hitech skills and expertise, which can be used for other defence products."
Original source : BBC News Online
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