Leonardo acquires Iveco Defence in $1.9 billion deal
The acquisition will help consolidate Leonardo’s position in the European land defence sector, aiding it in efforts to boost its domain “interoperability vision”, according to Leonardo’s CEO.
Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL) has been awarded a contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for its Light Weight Electronic Surveillance Capability (LWESC), it announced on 21 May.
The six-figure contract will see MCL add to the MoD's fleet of PRD-13(V)3 systems, which can search large parts of the radio spectrum and provide greater signals intelligence (SIGINT) and situational awareness.
MCL, under its long-term partnership with L-3 Linkabit, will deliver the handheld, Android-based PRD-13(V)3 system. The system provides system control when it is tethered to the processor. The on-the-move system fits on a lightweight frame that can support the antenna and radio with a low-visibility rucksack.
Mark Harbin, ISTAR capability manager, MCL, said: 'MCL has years of experience supplying and supporting the UK MoD with electronic surveillance capabilities, and we are delighted to announce this significant contract today.
'This contract is a testament to the strong partnership we have with our US suppliers. Importantly, it enables us to provide the latest capabilities with a support package for the UK that fits the needs of our customers, and crucially, the needs of our soldiers too. Our continued success in this area confirms that MCL is at the forefront of electronic surveillance in the UK.'
The acquisition will help consolidate Leonardo’s position in the European land defence sector, aiding it in efforts to boost its domain “interoperability vision”, according to Leonardo’s CEO.
The AM General High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) is one of the most widely used vehicles with more than 250,000 vehicles in service with as many as 20 countries. The orders are a boost for the platform which was singled out for a reduction in numbers in a recent US Army reform document.
The company’s participation in the exercise will not only test the CUAS solutions but help inform tactics for the US Army as it looks to expand and acquire more CUAS capabilities.
The possible sales focus on maintenance and sustainment for a variety of equipment used by the Ukrainian armed forces, notably air defence equipment, MIM-23 Hawk missiles, M109 howitzers and Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).
The vehicles are fitted with Aselsan Yanki gunshot detection system, Aselsan ACAR telescopic mast-mounted radar system and an Aselsan Shanin Gozu mast-mounted optical package.
BMC’s new vehicle is powered by a Cummins turbocharged diesel coupled to an Allison fully automatic transmission. This provides a maximum road speed of up to 105km/h and maximum range of up to 650km.