LINKOPING, Sweden, Dec. 20, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Finnish Defence Forces has awarded Saab Training Systems, of Huskvarna, Sweden, a contract for Combat Training Systems. The contract includes two phases that have the potential of exceeding SEK 448 million. The initial phase is for the supply of a Combat Training System (CTS) and is valued at SEK 228 million. The second, optional phase, is for the supply of further systems. Negotiations for an additional contract for the supply of long-term Maintenance and On-Site Support will be concluded in the first half of 2003.
"Finland has been an important customer for many years and has always used our simulator systems to be in the forefront of training and simulation," said Johan Ohlson, president of Saab Training Systems. "We are very pleased that the Finnish Defence Forces has selected us as its CTS partner. It confirms that Saab Training Systems is one of the world leaders in the development and supply of combat training systems."
In fulfilling its contractual obligations, Saab Training Systems will be assisted by some of the most highly renowned Finnish defence industrial companies. These cooperative efforts are coordinated under an Industrial Participation Programme, proposed by Saab Training Systems to the Finnish Ministry of Defence and agreed upon under a separate contract.
The CTS is a mobile instrumented training system that will allow the Finnish Defence Forces to conduct realistic exercises and analyse the performance of its soldiers and units: both factors that are vital when maintaining military operational effectiveness. The CTS consists of a comprehensive range of weapon simulators, an integrated communication system, exercise control capability and all associated facilities. Deliveries will commence in 2004.
Finland will become the fifth major user of combat training systems delivered by Saab Training Systems. Other customers are the Armies of USA, the Netherlands, Norway and Italy. Several other countries are currently considering the procurement of similar systems.
Saab Training Systems, a subsidiary of Saab, specialises in military training equipment; laser simulator systems, combat training systems, visual simulators and target equipment. 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 capability in systems integration.
For further information, please contact:
Johan Ohlson, President Saab Training Systems phone: +46 36 38 86 01 Lars Birging, Vice President Marketing Saab Training Systems phone: +46 36 38 87 06 www.saabtrainingsystems.com www.saab.se This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/12/20/20021219BIT01070/wkr0001.doc www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/12/20/20021219BIT01070/wkr0002.pdf