Smiths Detection today announced a $9 million contract to supply the U.S. Navy with mobile weather information systems that support mission planning and military operations.

The METMF NEXGEN systems, which provide tactical meteorological support by continuous observations, satellite imagery and forecasts, will be operated by the U.S. Marine Air Ground Task Force. Manufactured in Smiths Detection's Edgewood, Md. plant, they are due for delivery by January 2013.

Bob Bohn, vice president of sales for Smiths Detection, said: "We have provided sophisticated meteorological systems to the military for more than 60 years. Smiths Detection's advanced technology and integration experience, coupled with an intimate understanding of customer needs, allows us to deliver a maximum-value solution that provides the optimum environmental picture of a battle space."

The truck-mounted METMF NEXGEN analyses data from a variety of sources to provide a complete picture of current and future weather patterns, within minutes. The system helps the military make critical decisions on the battlefield using information from both ground-based sensors and satellites. It is also ruggedized to cope with extreme environments.