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World Defense & Security Industry News - Thales Defence
 
 
Thales and Dutch Defense Ministry announce partnership for air defence systems
 
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Thales announce their partnership for the service and delivery of two SMART-L Early Warning Capability (EWC) Ground Based systems (GB) for the Royal Netherlands Airforce, as well as service of four SMART-L EWC radars for the Royal Netherlands Navy, the company announced on April 22.
     
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Thales announce their partnership for the service and delivery of two SMART-L Early Warning Capability (EWC) Ground Based systems (GB) for the Royal Netherlands Airforce, as well as service of four SMART-L EWC radars for the Royal Netherlands Navy, the company announced on April 22.
Thales SMART-L Early Warning Capability Ground Based radar
     
These are unique contracts in which the services for both ground based and naval systems have been aligned and the MOD has involved a private party,” says vice-admiral Borsboom, Director of the Defense Materiel Organisation in The Netherlands. ‘By long term commitment we are able to improve the management of costs during the life cycle of the system.

The contracts for the two SMART-L EWC ground based versions for the Royal Netherlands Air force were closed in December 2014. These systems will replace the current Medium Power Radar systems that were commissioned in the 70’s of the last century. Like the naval versions, the new systems possess a unique combination of long distance surveillance radar with Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capabilities.

The two ground based systems come with a full Thales performance based logistics contract. Thales will be responsible for service and maintenance of these systems for 16 years.