Paris, 30 January 2024 -
OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation)-EA Director Joachim Sucker
and Eurosam Managing Director Anne Diaz De Tuesta signed the 14th Contract
Amendment for the FSAF-PAAMS Sustainment & Enhancement (S&E) Contract.
OCCAR-EA Director Joachim
Sucker and Eurosam Managing Director Anne Diaz De Tuesta signed the 14th
Contract Amendment for the FSAF-PAAMS Sustainment & Enhancement (S&E)
Contract, which covers the production of Aster 30 B1 ground, Aster 30 B1NT
ground and naval for the Italy in consistency with the global order of Aster
munitions contracted by OCCAR-EA for France and Italy in December 2022.
This amendment also saw the
launch of SAMP/T NG ground systems production activities. Through this
amendment Eurosam and its members MBDA/Thales will produce four SAMP/T NG
sections for the Italian Army, and supplementary activities for France with the
aim to secure the future launch of the full serial production of SAMP/T NG
sections for the French Air Force.
This is an additional step
towards the renewal of this European Medium-Range Air-Defence Ground
capabilities, following the SAMP/T NG development launched by the two Nations
in 2021, the production of pre-serial systems beginning 2023 and the joining of
the SAMP/T and Aster community by the Italian Air Force with the procurement of
five SAMPT NG sections last July 2023.
Furthermore, this contractual
change includes the supplementary procurement of additional equipment for the
United Kingdom (UK) for the Mid-Life Update Aster production. The MLU Aster
production is ongoing since 2021 for the three Nations, and OCCAR and Industry
met the first deliveries for France and Italy in December 2023.
OCCAR-EA is proud to have
placed this new contract amendment in close cooperation with the SGD, DGA -
Direction and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).
This amendment, is a further
catalyst that promotes and reinforces the existing cooperation amongst the
three Nations and OCCAR-EA.
OCCAR-EA will continue to
lead the way for the benefit of the French and Italian Air Forces, Italian Army
and the three Navies in this particular global context, which demonstrates the
importance to provide upgraded Air-Defence systems to be able face more and
more challenging threats.
Image: Copyright Sidonie
Dechamps