Saab wins helicopter contract worth SEK 2 billion

Saab and NHIndustries have today signed a contract regarding the development and production of a tactical mission system (TMS) for the new Swedish multi-role helicopter, the NH90, at a value of around SEK 2 billion. In addition to this initial order, the Swedish helicopter deal will entail further business opportunities for Saab of a similar scope.

"This contract is the result of the broad expertise that exists within the Saab Group. This is creating new business opportunities, and we have also strengthened our position as a qualified supplier and business partner to yet another major international supplier of defence materiel," says Bengt Halse, President and CEO of Saab AB.

In conjunction with the Nordic Standard Helicopter Program (NSHP) deciding in September last year to purchase NH90 helicopters, NHIndustries entered into final negotiations with Saab regarding the development and production of a Tactical mission system for the Swedish multi-role helicopter, Helicopter 14. The contract with NHIndustries is an order worth around SEK 2 billion. In addition, NHIndustries has an extensive offset commitment in relation to Sweden, where Saab can expect to obtain further business of the same volume. This offset commitment lasts until 2009.

Saab will be have systems responsibility for developing the tactical system (TMS), including development, production and integration of systems computers, digital maps, registration equipment, AIS transponders, as well as the acquisition of tactical radar. The undertaking also includes ground-based evaluation and planning equipment from Saab. In addition, a new mission and anti-submarine warfare system will be developed as part of the Tactical System. This will become an important part of the Swedish Armed Forces’ future structure and management philosophy in order to meet the demands as regards fitting into the new network-based defence.

At the same time, a separate contract has been signed whereby Saab will produce 200 forward fuselage for the NH90. This is equivalent to around two-thirds of the total number of helicopters ordered to date for Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and now also for Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Development and production will take place at Saab Aerospace in Linköping, SaabTech Systems in Järfälla, Saab Avionics in Jönköping and Kista, and AerotechTelub in Arboga.

In total, the Swedish Defence Matériel Administration has ordered 18 Helicopter 14s, with the first delivery being made in 2005 and the final delivery in 2009.

Saab is one of the world’s leading high-technology companies, with its main operations focusing on defence, aviation and space. The group covers a broad spectrum of competence and capabilities in systems integration.

For further information, please contact:

Pictures
Pictures of the NH90 helicopter can be found at www.saab.se à Aerospace à Press pictures

This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net

The following files are available for download: