Thales awarded Optronics contract for Upgraded LAV III vehicles

Thales Canada announced today that it has been awarded a significant subcontract from General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada for the delivery of uncooled optronics technology to be applied to 409 modernized Canadian Army LAV III combat vehicles. General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada is the prime contractor to the Canadian Army for a comprehensive upgrade package modernizing these effective vehicles.

"We are very pleased to be part of the LAV III upgrade team. Including Thales's world-leading optronics technology will enhance the LAV III fleet's survivability, operational capability and long-term performance. Our uncooled optronics technology is second to none, as well as being combat proven by both Canadian and other NATO allies," said Mark Halinaty, Vice President and Managing Director, Thales Canada, Defence and Security.

Thales's Canadian-developed thermal imaging and vision enhancement solutions have been preferred solutions of the Canadian Army since the mid 90's. The equipment is also used by NATO and allied forces to improve their operational capabilities at night or in adverse weather and obscured battlefield conditions. Our exports are provided as individual products to foreign defence forces, or through our business line partners as local situational awareness systems or sub systems to their own system offerings.

Today's announcement follows Department of Defence contracts to Thales in 2007 and 2010 for the supply of over 1100 units of Driver Vision Enhancement equipment, and equipping 550 vehicles with Crew Vision Enhancement equipment. The contract with General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada further emphasizes Thales's leading supplier position in this important segment.