Saab Systems wins Australian army missile contract

SYDNEY (AFP) May 23, 2003
Saab Systems Australia has won an 83-million-dollar (54 million US) contract to provide short-range laser-guided missile systems to the Australian Army, it was announced Friday.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said the contract would effectively double Australia's ground-based air defence capability, which operates out of the South Australian-based Woodside 16th Air Defence Regiment.

He said the RBS70 defence system made by Adelaide-based Saab Systems was the most modern short-range air defence system in the world.

"It offers very effective protection against low-level aircraft and helicopters and its laser rangefinder and optical sighting system is immune to radar jamming," Hill said.

WAR.WIRE