March 20, 2015 By Tom Kington - Defense News

ROME — After hinting for months that he would consider selling DRS, Finmeccanica CEO Mauro Moretti said on Thursday he was taking stock of the firm's improving results and putting off all decisions until September.

Moretti first suggested last summer he could sell the US electronics unit that Finmeccanica bought in 2008. Then, in January, he told analysts that he would seek a partner to help run the unit, while selling off activity worth €200 million (US $214.6 million), including DRS' Aviation and Logistics, as well as Training Communications and Network solutions units.

At the time, Moretti said DRS' volumes had halved since Finmeccanica bought the firm for $5.2 billion, citing slowing US defense spending.

There were also, he said, "Clear difficulties managing the business effectively as a true domestic player if you are not American."

After finding a partner, Moretti said, "We will look at longer term options." Analysts at the time said the partnership could be a prelude to selling.

But on Thursday, at a meeting with analysts to discuss Finmeccanica's 2014 results, Moretti appeared more upbeat about DRS.

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March 25, 2014. David Pugliese Defence Watch

News release from DRS Technologies:

ARLINGTON, Va., March 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — DRS Technologies, a Finmeccanica Company, announced today that its Canadian subsidiary will be providing communications systems in support of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) ANZAC-class frigates.

The subcontract was awarded to DRS Technologies Canada Ltd. (DRS TCL) in support of a communications modernization contract by Selex ES. DRS Technologies Canada Ltd. (TCL) is the primary subcontractor to Selex ES.

Under the subcontract DRS will provide all internal tactical and secure voice switching systems and terminals, including the SHINCOM 3100 central switching unit, wideband audio network data switching system, console dual screen terminals, outdoor terminals, jackboxes and ancillaries.

SHINCOM 3100 is the latest generation of shipboard communications switch technology; and provides reliable, red/black secure tactical communications for Navy operators.

DRS TCL will produce and deliver eight ship-sets and two shore systems under the subcontract.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for DRS TCL to deliver the SHINCOM 3100 system to the Royal Australian Navy. This system, leverages the existing installed base with the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Navy,” says Steve Zuber, vice president and general manager, DRS Technologies Canada Ltd. “This program will allow these Navies to share key interoperability, technology and applications, ensuring that SHINCOM 3100 remains the premier internal communications system for years to come,” Zuber said.

About DRS Technologies
DRS Technologies is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide and is the 2013 recipient of the Defense Security Service Award for Excellence in Counterintelligence as well as three James S. Cogswell Awards for Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica SpA (FNC.MI), which employs approximately 70,000 people worldwide.