13 Oct 2009 | Ref. 196/2009
WARSAW, Poland - BAE Systems has today signed a new, exclusive, teaming agreement with Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), a Poland based engineering and manufacturing company, that will form the basis of collaboration that may ultimately see production of the RG31 mine protected vehicle take place in Poland, should it be selected to protect members of the Polish armed forces involved in international peace-keeping and security operations.
The RG31 is a 4x4 mine protected vehicle specifically designed for counter-insurgency and peacekeeping missions, where protection from the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines is required. More than 2,000 are currently in service with the U.S. Armed Forces and their allies.
The RG31, designed in South Africa and featuring a V-shaped, blast deflecting hull, continues to attract considerable interest from potential new markets.
“Today’s new agreement strengthens a ten year relationship between BAE Systems and HSW and could involve Polish industry in the manufacture of one of the world’s most capable and respected armoured vehicles,” said David Burgess, BAE Systems’ managing director Poland. “It builds on work previously carried out on the KRAB SP 155mm Howitzer and 105mm Light Gun.“
The collaboration links HSW with the world’s largest land systems business, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with operations in the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden and South Africa. It was created following BAE Systems’ acquisition of Alvis in 2004, United Defense in 2005 and Armor Holdings in 2007.
The company’s Land & Armaments unit is a global leader in the design, development, production and support of armoured and tactical combat vehicles, large and small calibre naval guns and missile launchers, artillery systems and munitions.
Huta Stalowa Wola is the biggest Polish producer of building and construction machines and the leading producer of artillery equipment in Poland. With customers in 97 countries, it employs more than 2,200 people.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information, please contact:
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384795 Mob: + 44 (0)7802 337704
john.neilson@baesystems.com
Lisa Hillary-Tee, BAE Systems
Tel: +44-(0)7801 718 994
lisa.hillary-tee@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384710 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
