$50M Ammunition Contract for US Marine Corps

15 April 2011 Thales

Thales is today announcing the award of a $50M contract from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems of Saint Petersburg, Florida USA to TDA Armements S.A.S (TDA), a 100% owned subsidiary of Thales S.A, for the supply of 120mm rifled mortar ammunition. The award is in support of General Dynamics’ contract to supply the US Marine Corps (USMC) with 120 mm rounds for the Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS) programme. The EFSS programme, initially started in 2004, provides the USMC with fire support capable of being deployed from amphibious ships or aircraft such as their CH-53 helicopters and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. The EFSS system has recently been deployed to Afghanistan to support US Marine Corps combat operations. Guy Lefebvre, CEO of TDA said ”This contract award is the result of an outstanding relationship which has been built with General Dynamics to provide the most appropriate solution to the USMC for their EFSS programme. It is a privilege for TDA to have the USMC as an end user and underlines the quality and effectiveness of our 120 mm rifled mortar ammunition”. Michael S. Wilson, president of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems said “General Dynamics and TDA have developed a strong and successful partnership. We look forward to continuing our work with them in supporting the USMC Corps’ EFSS program”.