LEXINGTON, Massachusetts -- BAE Systems will provide Canadian soldiers with thermal weapon sights that improve their situational awareness and survivability.

Rheinmetall Canada Inc., a provider of the Rheinmetall Defence Group's range of products in Canada, will integrate BAE Systems' uncooled thermal weapon sights with the 40mm grenade launcher's fire control system as part of the Canadian Army's Close Area Suppression Weapon System (CASW). BAE Systems' thermal sights will enhance weapon functionality and mission effectiveness by allowing for targeting independent of darkness and common battlefield obscurants.

"BAE Systems understands Rheinmetall Canada's urgent need to deliver Close Area Suppression Weapon Systems to the Canadian Department of National Defense in support of their soldiers' operational needs," said Dennis Long, program manager for BAE Systems. "Our sights provide a tremendous day and night advantage in detecting, observing, and engaging the enemy. Simply put, they help soldiers achieve their missions and return home safely."

The company now provides thermal weapon sights to eight countries. The U.S. Army recently awarded BAE Systems a $123 million contract for continued production of thermal weapon sights. That order - the most recent under a five-year, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract - increases BAE Systems' total thermal weapon sight contract value to more than $1 billion since 2004.

BAE Systems has delivered more than 91,000 thermal weapon sights to support operations of the U.S. Army and its allies in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The company produces light, medium, and heavy thermal weapon sights using the company's MicroIR uncooled infrared sensor technology to generate superior infrared imagery without the need for bulky, power-consuming cryogenic cooling equipment. BAE Systems has completed rigorous field testing of its thermal sites, demonstrating their ability to withstand harsh battlefield environments.

BAE Systems has operated in Canada since 2000. The company has a strong track record in delivering economic benefit by partnering with domestic industries and delivering on offset commitments.

BAE Systems
26.01.2011