half yearly report, page-8

Supplier Interest Grows In Protected Mobility Opportunities

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/107709/aussie-supplier-interest-grows-in-protected-vehicles.html

(Source: Thales Australia; issued September 1, 2009)



Companies from across NSW turned up in force last week to hear about supply chain opportunities in Thales's Protected Mobility business - in particular the new Australian Light Protected Vehicle System Thales is developing for Defence's LAND 121 Phase 4 - Protected Mobility Vehicle - Light program.

The Thales supplier conference at the NSW Trade and Investment Centre in Sydney attracted around 250 attendees, including many representatives from Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs). They received a detailed briefing on Thales's Bendigo-based business - home of the Bushmaster vehicle - and upcoming opportunities in national and international programs.

Ian Irving, Thales Australia's Land & Joint Systems Division Vice President, said the strong turnout was a sign of real interest in Australian solutions to meet Australian requirements.

"The success of our Bushmaster program shows what Australian industry can do to support the Australian Defence Force and the Department of Defence.

"We work with well over 100 SMEs to produce a vehicle that is tailored to the ADF's specific requirements. We are also continuously integrating new systems and developing new technologies that give our troops the capability edge.

"As we now look to new programs and opportunities, it's clear that local companies are eager to play a role in supporting the ADF.

"There is no doubt we have the skills in Australia to deliver innovative solutions that meet the country's unique needs, while supporting hundreds of local jobs across the supply chain."

Thales is currently bidding for several major national and international vehicle systems programs, including LAND 121 Phase 3. In addition to expanding the Bushmaster family of vehicles, Thales is developing a new family of Australian Light Protected Vehicles for LAND 121 Phase 4, as well as a number of similar international vehicle systems programs.

Thales Australia organised the event in conjunction with the NSW Department of Industry and Investment, with strong support from the Australian Industry & Defence Network.


Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Space, Defence, Security and Transportation markets. In 2008, the company generated revenues of 12.7 billion euros (equivalent of AUD22.1 billion) with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management to security systems and services. Employing around 3,500 people in over 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of more than AUD1 billion in 2008.