Further Chilean Armed Forces Upgrade Work for BAE Systems

October 12, 2011 defpro.com

Portsmouth, United Kingdom | BAE Systems has signed a £3.3m contract with the Chilean Navy to upgrade a radar sub-system of the Type 911 tracker on the Chilean Type 23 frigates.

Earlier this month BAE Systems received a £10.2m contract to refurbish and upgrade 12 M109A5 howitzers for the Chilean Government through a US foreign military sales contract.

The Type 911 tracker, originally designed and supplied by BAE Systems, is an integral part of the ships’ Seawolf Vertical Launch point defence missile system. The ”Radar B” element of the Type 911 tracker, which BAE Systems will upgrade, tracks targets that approach at low levels and guides the missile to them.

The upgrade will modernise the trackers with proven technology to maintain the potent defensive capability of the ships. Work will be undertaken at the BAE Systems site in Broad Oak, Portsmouth, and will be fitted on board the ships with the assistance of ASMAR Shipbuilding and Repair Company in Valparaiso, Chile.

BAE Systems already enjoys a strong relationship with ASMAR. Last year BAE Systems announced it had secured a two year extended agreement with ASMAR to provide support to the country’s ex Royal Navy frigates.

This upgrade forms part of the commitment to support and work with the Chilean Navy in maintaining the Type 23 combat system and the overall operational availability and capability of the platforms themselves. It also follows a visit to the UK by representatives from the Chilean Navy and ASMAR to observe BAE Systems’ support activities to the Royal Navy and participate in a joint workshop on sensor support.

Vice Admiral Federico Niemann, Chilean Navy Director of Material, said, “The Chilean Navy enjoys an open, frank relationship with BAE Systems which is the foundation of any good partnership.”

Les Gregory, Torpedoes, Radar and Manufacturing Director, BAE Systems Mission Systems, said, ”BAE Systems has a longstanding partnership with ASMAR and the Chilean Navy and we are delighted to support these ships’ defence capability. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship in future.”