Thales has been awarded contracts for the supply of air defence systems and services to the Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Under the first contract, the company will supply SMART-L early warning capability (EWC) ground-based (GB) systems to the Royal Netherlands Air Force, for replacement of the service’s current medium power radar systems that were commissioned in the 1970s.
The two systems come with a full performance-based logistics contract, which will require the company to provide service and maintenance of the systems.
The second contract will see Thales provide maintenance services for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s four SMART-L EWC radars that are installed onboard the air defence and command frigates.
Netherlands Defence Materiel Organisation director vice-admiral Borsboom said: "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.
"By long-term commitment, we are able to improve the management of costs during the life cycle of the system."
Thales Netherlands CEO Gerben Edelijn said: "These contracts provide Thales with a key position in maintaining the operational availability of these ground-based and naval systems."
Maintenance services for the SMART-L EWC radars are scheduled to be performed in collaboration with the navy’s Services and Maintenance Organization for a period of 16 years from 2018.
Specifically, the navy and its crews will perform regular on-board maintenance, while Thales will guarantee availability of the necessary spare parts, in addition to providing maintenance training along with the navy.
The SMART-L is a 3D multi-beam radar that weighs 8t. The digitally controlled active electronically scanned array radar is designed to detect a broad range of targets, including air breathing andstealth targets, as well as ballistic missiles to a distance of 2000km.
Image: SMART-L is a 3D multi-beam radar designed to provide long-range air and surface surveillance and target designation. Photo: courtesy of Thales.
