Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Australia's Second A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport Achieves Successful "power on" Milestone

ARLINGTON, VA--(Marketwire - 08/26/09) - The second A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft for Australia has completed its mission equipment outfitting with a successful "power on" milestone, and is being readied for pre-delivery flight testing. The aircraft underwent conversion to the A330 MRTT military configuration in Australia. Qantas Engineering performed the mission equipment outfitting at its Brisbane Airport facility with the support of Airbus Military, underscoring the capability of EADS and its subsidiaries to transfer complex industrial processes around the globe.
One of the key achievements of the "power on" milestone is verifying successful operation of more than 400 installed wiring harnesses -- with more than 35 miles of cabling and 1600 connectors -- that go into the MRTT as part of its military modifications. It is a key step prior to the commencement of ground and flight test of the aerial refueling systems and military avionics. Following flight test in Australia, the aircraft will fly to Madrid, Spain, for further modifications prior to joining the first MRTT in the certification and qualification flight program.
The Royal Australian Air Force's A330 MRTT is based on the same general configuration as the Northrop Grumman KC-45 being offered for recapitalization of the U.S. Air Force's aging tanker fleet. Both A330-200 aircraft feature EADS' advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS), along with a pair of 905E under-wing hose-and-drogue air refueling pods. The KC-45 will also have a hose-and-drogue fuselage refueling unit on the centerline. This mix of boom and pod refueling technologies ensures the A330 MRTT and KC-45 can transfer fuel to all types of receiver aircraft during a single mission without reconfiguration.
Australia has ordered five A330 MRTTs, the first of which began a highly successful flight-test program in June 2007. Two of the multi-role platforms will be delivered to Australia in 2010. As with the second aircraft, the remaining three Australian MRTTs will undergo mission equipment outfitting at the Qantas Engineering facility. Conversion of the next of these aircraft is already underway.
The successful transfer of these complex industrial capabilities validates a foundational element of the Northrop Grumman KC-45 program for the U.S. Air Force. The aircraft will be assembled and configured for the U.S. Air Force by EADS North America and Northrop Grumman at a new American aerospace center of excellence that will be constructed in Mobile, Alabama.
At the heart of both the A330 MRTT and KC-45 is the EADS fly-by-wire ARBS, which provides highly accurate, reliable in-flight refueling for a full range of aircraft -- from fighters to airlifters. Its high-resolution, panoramic, 3D-vision system enables the boom operator to remotely control the system from the cockpit during day, night and all-weather operations. The ARBS' maximum nominal fuel flow rate is 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute.
The A330 MRTT has won all of the latest competitions for advanced aerial refueling aircraft. In addition to the Royal Australian Air Force's acquisition, it has been selected by the air forces of the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia's original order for three A330 MRTTs was recently doubled to a total of six aircraft, further solidifying the aircraft's position as the world's leading advanced aerial refueling platform.
About EADS North America
EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $11 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 200,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.

Northrop Grumman gets billions in U.S. contracts

WASHINGTON On Wednesday August 26, 2009, 5:54 pm EDT (Reuters) - Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:NOC - News) was awarded a U.S. Air Force contract boost, up to $3.4 billion, to support the radar-evading B-2 bomber, the Defense Department said on Wednesday.
At the same time, Los Angeles-based Northrop said it had received a U.S. Navy contract valued at roughly $2.4 billion for the refueling and overhaul of the Theodore Rossevelt, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
The Pentagon, in its daily contract digest, did not specify the previous ceiling value of Northrop's bomber contract. The United States deploys 20 B-2s.
A company spokesman could not immediately specify the previous value of the B-2 contract.
Work on the aircraft carrier is scheduled to last more than three years and will be the ship's one and only refueling and complex overhaul in a 50-year life span, Northrop said.
The Roosevelt is the fourth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo this major milestone.
More than 3,800 Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding employees would be working aboard the carrier during peak periods of the project, the company said.
Northrop shares closed down 46 cents to end the day's trade on the New York Stock Exchange at $48.90.

Navistar Financial Announces Renewal of $650 Million Dealer Inventory Funding Facility

WARRENVILLE, Ill.--On Wednesday August 26, 2009, 4:32 pm EDT (BUSINESS WIRE)--Consistent with previous guidance, Navistar Financial Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV - News), today announced that as part of its strategy for refinancing its wholesale portfolio it has signed an agreement for a one-year renewal of a $650 million dealer floor plan funding facility, effective immediately. This conduit-based facility is funded through two of NFC’s major relationship banks.
“This renewal, in conjunction with other initiatives, will fully support our ongoing wholesale business, which helps dealers purchase their floor plan inventory,” said David Johanneson, president and chief executive officer of Navistar Financial. “The credit quality of our portfolio and the health of our dealer network continue to earn the ongoing confidence of our key relationship banks.”
“The completion of this renewal is another important step in our strategy to renew Navistar Financial’s bank facility by year-end,” added Johanneson.
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV - News) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce® brand diesel engines, IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses, Monaco RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Navistar Financial Corporation provides financial programs and services tailored to satisfy all Navistar’s customer and dealer equipment financing needs. Additional information is available at: www.navistar.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
Information provided and statements contained in this report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements only speak as of the date of this report and the company assumes no obligation to update the information included in this report. Such forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business strategy. These statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” or similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of performance or results and they involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. For a further description of these factors, see Item 1A, Risk Factors of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, which was filed on December 30, 2008 as modified by Item 1A, Risk Factors of our Form 10-Q for the second quarter ended April 30, 2009, which was filed on June 9, 2009 . Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are many factors that could affect our actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. All future written and oral forward-looking statements by us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to above. Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, we do not have any obligations or intention to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances in the future or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

U.S. Army Awards General Dynamics $100 Million to Produce M2 Flex Machine Guns

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The U.S. Army TACOM-Rock Island, Ill., has awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products a four-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for the production of M2 flex machine guns. Production under initial delivery orders valued at approximately $100 million is scheduled to be completed by April 2012. General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD - News).
Dean Gagnon, General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products gun systems senior program manager, said, "The M2 flex is a belt-fed, recoil-operated, air-cooled, crew-served weapon capable of right- or left-hand feed. The weapon's accuracy, durability and versatility make it ideal for offensive and defensive operations."
The guns will be produced at General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products' Saco, Maine, facility, which has delivered more than 35,000 M2 machine guns to the U.S. government since 1979. Program management will be performed at the company's Burlington, Vt.-based Technology Center.
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products' site in Saco is the company's production site for single- and multi-barrel aircraft and crew-served weapon systems. This site, along with the Burlington, Vt. location, provides complete production capabilities, from design and development to manufacturing, testing and integration.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,000 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.generaldynamics.com

Lockheed Martin Team Recognized by Naval Air Systems Command

MANASSAS, Va., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has presented a Commander's National Award to Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News) and other members of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) Acoustic Commonality Team. The Commander's National Award recognizes technical, business and leadership excellence in support of NAVAIR's strategic priorities including current readiness, future capabilities and people. Lockheed Martin was recognized in the research, development, test and evaluation category.
"This is a tremendous achievement and I commend Lockheed Martin's participation with the Navy and Boeing to align the P-3 and P-8 acoustic systems to a common open architecture framework," said Capt. Mike Moran, MPRA program manager for NAVAIR. "The MPRA fleet will benefit from this joint effort for years to come."
The MPRA Common Acoustic Software Baseline is deployed on the U.S. Navy's P-3C Orion Anti-Submarine aircraft and ready for incorporation into the P-8A Poseidon aircraft. This program implements a rapid Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) insertion model for aircraft acoustics based on the successful Acoustic Rapid COTS Insertion program aboard U.S. Navy submarines. In the aircraft program, acoustic systems on the P-3C receive annual software advanced processing builds, called APBs. Along with the APBs, hardware technology refresh activity occurs approximately every two years to keep the acoustic suites on these aircraft continuously refreshed with the latest acoustic signal processing capabilities. This program provides for the future incorporation of signal processing into the P-8A platform with minimal cost and risk.
"Lockheed Martin has been the prime contractor for the P-3C Acoustic system for more than 25 years," said Dave Dietzen, Lockheed Martin senior program manager, P-3 Programs. "Working with the Navy to leverage open architecture and the methodologies from an ARCI business model into the Air community has provided significant advancements in our ability to transition new warfighting capabilities to the fleet."
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Goodrich to Address Gabelli and Company's 15th Annual Aircraft Supplier Conference

*Address to be webcast on Goodrich website
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--On Wednesday August 26, 2009, 9:00 am EDT (BUSINESS WIRE)--Paul Gifford, Vice President of Investor Relations for Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR - News), will address Gabelli and Company’s 15th Annual Aircraft Supplier Conference in New York City on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009. He is scheduled to speak at 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Eastern time.
A live audio webcast and slide presentation will be available during the presentation on www.goodrich.com -- see “Gabelli Conference Webcast Sign-Up” link. Following the conference, the archived webcast will be available for replay.
Goodrich Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities. For more information visit http://www.goodrich.com.

Adapx Receives Certificate of Networthiness From U.S. Army for Capturx Solutions

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - 08/26/09) - Adapx (www.adapx.com) today announced that its Capturx software for digital pens has received a Certificate of Networthiness (CoN) from the U.S. Army's Network Technology Command (NETCOM) for automating paper-based medical records within MedCom. The certification signifies successful completion of a stringent assessment to ensure that the Capturx software installed on U.S. Army computers are secure, supportable, sustainable, and compatible with the Army Enterprise Infrastructure's (AEI).
"Adapx has been providing innovative software to the Department of Defense since 2001 so we're proud to receive this certificate," said Ken Schneider, CEO at Adapx. "This certification reflects our commitment to delivering the DoD and other agencies with secure and reliable ways to automate data collection for any paper-based process."
More than 500 organizations are using Capturx -- ranging from large enterprises such as Holland America Line and EMCOR to agencies such as NASA and the Port of Seattle. Capturx is used in the Department of Defense to automate paper-based data collection processes ranging from medical records to facilities management.
Only Capturx enables teams to instantly digitize information as it's written with digital pens that automatically integrate data into Microsoft(TM) Office, Autodesk, and ArcGIS. Mobile workers can immediately share field data, improve collaboration and speed decision making, without the extra time and cost of scanning, sending, and transcribing paper -- or deploying mobile computers or PDAs. Capturx products are available on the GSA Schedule [GS-35F-0131R].
About Adapx
Adapx is changing the way mobile teams collect data and collaborate with Capturx(TM) software for digital pens. A broad range of industries and agencies use Capturx products as natural interfaces into Microsoft Office, GIS, and CAD systems through digital pens and voice. Teams can immediately collect and access data in native file formats and systems without the delay and cost of transcribing paper or deploying mobile computers. Adapx has strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Autodesk, ESRI, Lockheed Martin, In-Q-Tel, and works with standard digital pen technology from Anoto. For more information, please visit www.adapx.com, send email to sales@adapx.com, or follow Adapx on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Capturx.
Adapx and Capturx, and their respective logos are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of Adapx Corporation. Other products and company names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Raytheon to Provide IT Services to the Environmental Protection Agency

RESTON, Va., Aug. 26, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN - News) has been selected to provide information technology (IT) infrastructure support and solutions through the Information Technology Solutions-Environmental Protection Agency II (ITS-EPA II) contract, further expanding its extensive services provided to the EPA.
The multiple-supplier award Blanket Purchase Agreement under U.S. General Services Administration's Schedule 70 IT professional services has a ceiling value of $955 million.
Under ITS-EPA II, Raytheon will provide innovative, agile, scalable and cost-effective IT solutions to meet the requirements of the agency and to support EPA's mission goals. Raytheon will help the Office of Environmental Information provide a broad range of IT services to enable secure information exchange, data analysis, scientific investigation and informed decision-making across government and the environmental community.
"We look forward to helping increase efficiencies and supporting EPA's important environmental mission with our culture of continuous improvement," said TW Scott, vice president of Raytheon Information Solutions. "As a responsible steward of the environment, Raytheon is committed to sustainability as evidenced by successive awards from the EPA for the company's energy management and climate leadership initiatives, and receipt of an InfoWorld 2009 Green 15 Award for Green IT practices."
The ITS-EPA II contract will further expand Raytheon's existing environmental services, which include remote sensing, data management and geographic information systems at multiple EPA ecology research laboratories across the country.
Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

Arotech Announces $1.5 Million in Battery and Charger Orders

AUBURN, AL--(Marketwire - 08/26/09) - Arotech Corporation (NASDAQ:ARTX - News), a provider of quality defense and security products for the military, law enforcement and security markets, announced today that its Battery and Power Systems Division has received new orders in excess of $1.5 million for Lithium-Ion primary and rechargeable batteries, chargers and battery components. The order comes from a number of customers around the world and will be used in applications such as communication devices, night vision equipment and the powering of unmanned air vehicle (UAVs).
"Our batteries and rechargeable are continually becoming a preferred choice to militaries around the world and we are delighted to once again provide our customers with our leading edge technologies for the various and growing list of applications," said Robert S. Ehrlich, Chairman and CEO of Arotech Corporation. "We now have one of the highest backlogs in the Company's history and remain confident this will be the Battery and Power Systems best year since inception and we are optimistic for the same with Simulation and Armor," concluded Ehrlich.
About Arotech's Battery and Power Systems Division
Arotech's Battery and Power Systems Division is a leading provider of primary and rechargeable batteries and chargers for defense and other military applications. Arotech develops and produces high power zinc-air batteries and is believed to be the sole supplier of this technology to the US military. In addition, Arotech develops high-end primary and secondary batteries and associated chargers and has vast experience in working with government agencies, the military and large corporations.
The Battery and Power Systems Division consists of Electric Fuel Battery Corporation, Electric Fuel Ltd., and Epsilor Electronic Industries Ltd.
About Arotech Corporation
Arotech Corporation is a leading provider of quality defense and security products for the military, law enforcement and homeland security markets. Arotech provides multimedia interactive simulators/trainers, lightweight armoring and advanced zinc-air and lithium batteries and chargers. Arotech operates through three major business divisions: Armor, Training and Simulation, and Batteries and Power Systems.
Arotech is incorporated in Delaware, with corporate offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan and research, development and production subsidiaries in Alabama, Michigan and Israel.
Except for the historical information herein, the matters discussed in this news release include forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the effect of any share repurchases by Arotech. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current knowledge, assumptions, judgment and expectations regarding future performance or events. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as they are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks relating to: product and technology development; the uncertainty of the market for Arotech's products; changing economic conditions; delay, cancellation or non-renewal, in whole or in part, of contracts or of purchase orders; dilution resulting from issuances of Arotech's common stock upon conversion or payment of its outstanding convertible debt, which would be increasingly dilutive if and to the extent that the market price of Arotech's stock decreases; and other risk factors detailed in Arotech's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Arotech assumes no obligation to update the information in this release. Reference to the Company's website above does not constitute incorporation of any of the information thereon into this press release.

LaBarge Awarded $2.6 Million Contract for MESA Advanced Military Radar System

ST. LOUIS--On Wednesday August 26, 2009, 7:00 am EDT (BUSINESS WIRE)--LaBarge, Inc. (AMEX: LB - News) has been awarded a $2.6 million contract from Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC - News) to continue to provide electronic subsystems for the MESA (Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array) radar system.
The MESA radar is an advanced airborne surveillance radar system used in military aircraft with airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms. Currently flying in the next-generation 737-700 series aircraft produced by The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA - News), the radar is mounted atop the fuselage and has a long detection range with a 360-degree electronic scan that can simultaneously track air and sea targets, covering the entire operational area with an integrated identification friend or foe (IFF) mode. The MESA radar allows the AEW&C aircraft to operate farther back from the battle lines while it detects and tracks targets in high threat areas.
Production on the contract is expected to begin in September 2009 and continue through February 2010 at LaBarge's Huntsville, Ark., facility. LaBarge is a Northrop Grumman Preferred Supplier and has been a member of the MESA production team since 2002.
LaBarge, Inc. is a broad-based provider of electronics to technology-driven companies in diverse markets. The Company provides its customers with sophisticated electronic and electromechanical products through contract design and manufacturing services. Headquartered in St. Louis, LaBarge has operations in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. The Company's Web site may be accessed at http://www.labarge.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect management's current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from such statements due to a variety of factors that could adversely affect LaBarge, Inc.'s operating results. These risks and factors are set forth in documents LaBarge, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports it files from time to time. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date such statements were made, or as of the date of the report or document in which they are contained, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such information.

CAE awarded military contracts valued at more than C$100 million

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - 08/26/09) - (TSX:CAE - News)(NYSE:CAE - News) - CAE today announced a series of military contracts with prime contractors and other military customers valued at more than C$100 million. Key customers include Eurocopter, Airbus Military and L-3 Communications.
"One of our strategic priorities has been to establish close relationships with major defence prime contractors and original equipment manufacturers," said Martin Gagne, CAE's Group President, Military Simulation Products, Training and Services. "Contracts with Eurocopter on major upgrades to the German CH-53 training systems and Airbus Military on two A330 tanker programs are perfect examples of CAE working closely with prime contractors to support military forces around the world."
Eurocopter
CAE has been awarded a contract by Eurocopter to perform major upgrades on two CAE-built CH-53 full-mission simulators operated at the German Army Aviation School at Buckeburg. Eurocopter will be upgrading 40 CH-53 helicopters for the German Army with new avionics, communications systems, night vision capabilities, and other new functionalities. As part of the CH-53 helicopter upgrade program, Eurocopter has contracted CAE to perform the simulator upgrades that will ensure concurrency with the operational helicopters and the training systems. Specifically, CAE will design and manufacture new CH-53 simulator cockpits, add the latest CAE Medallion-6000 image generator, upgrade the instructor operator stations, and perform a range of other enhancements. The CH-53 simulator upgrades for the German Army Aviation School are expected to be complete by the end of 2011.
Airbus Military
CAE has won contracts from prime contractor Airbus Military to provide A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) training devices to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF). CAE will design and manufacture an A330 MRTT part-task trainer and CAE Simfinity� integrated procedures trainer for each customer. CAE is currently developing similar training devices for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), as well as designing and manufacturing an A330 MRTT full-mission simulator for the RAAF program.
L-3 Communications
CAE has been awarded a one-year contract by L-3 Communications MAS (Canada) Inc., a subsidiary of L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL - News) for CAE to continue providing avionics software upgrades, integrated logistics support and data management services for the Canadian Forces CF-18 aircraft. L-3 MAS has been prime contractor on the CF-18 service and support program since 1986 and CAE has been performing systems engineering support services for the CF-18 fleet for more than twenty years.
CAE is a world leader in providing simulation and modelling technologies and integrated training solutions for the civil aviation industry and defence forces around the globe. With annual revenues exceeding C$1.6 billion, CAE employs more than 6,500 people at more than 90 sites and training locations in 20 countries. We have the largest installed base of civil and military full-flight simulators and training devices. Through our global network of 29 civil aviation and military training centres, we train more than 75,000 crewmembers yearly. We also offer modelling and simulation software to various market segments and, through CAE's professional services division, we assist customers with a wide range of simulation-based needs. www.cae.com

Procurement Programmes of New Vessels by Navies Drive the European Naval Sensors Market, Says Frost & Sullivan

LONDON, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to standing NATO directives, several member states have actively implemented new vessel procurement programs. CEE countries like Poland, Bulgaria and Romania are modernising their largely Soviet-era fleets while countries with advanced navies, like Italy, push for high technology solutions.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.aerospace.frost.com), European Naval Sensors (EO/IR) Market Assessment, finds that the market earned revenues of over $28 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach $91 million in 2017. The market will likely grow by a further 35 per cent due to the rising importance for advanced technology and upgrades across European navies.
"Entry into the CEE markets requires a solid understanding of local regulations and requirements, though this alone does not automatically ensure success," states Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Harish Balasubramanian. "The sensor market is experiencing a degree of consolidation; with larger companies increasingly dominating the market, while smaller local manufacturers focus primarily on domestic sales." However, technological advancement will shift this balance, by making it easier for smaller companies to bid on specific solutions.
To demonstrate their ability to fulfil common missions within NATO, CEE countries like Poland, Bulgaria and Romania face massive fleet upgrades of their mostly Soviet-era equipment. Poland faces the daunting task of modernising one of the largest fleets among the new NATO member states on a tight budget that is not expected to change over the forecast period. Price, therefore, will be the determining factor in this market.
Because developed navies tend to value technology over life-cycle service they should establish partnerships with other suppliers. "For countries like Italy with technologically advanced navies and a strong industrial base they are keen to retain, partial solution partnerships would facilitate entry into these markets," concludes Balasubramanian. Advanced technology and good life cycle support will be the major success factors in the Italian market.
The major challenge for the sensor industry in Europe is the fact that "the current perception of the navy's role remains inconsistent," notes Balasubramanian. "Existing threats as well as the role of naval forces are perceived differently across Europe, causing uncertainty regarding customer expectations. Stronger cooperation between market participants and end users could be a potential solution to this challenge."
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides a brief synopsis of the research and a table of contents, then send an e-mail to Monika Kwiecinska, Corporate Communications, at monika.kwiecinska@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a brochure will be sent to you by e-mail.
European Naval Sensors (EO/IR) Market Assessment is part of the Defence Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: Global Commercial Aviation Electrical Power Systems Market, European Oil & Gas Infrastructure Security Market, Middle East Oil & Gas Infrastructure Security Market, and European Land-based ISTAR Vehicle Electronics Market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 35 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.
European Naval Sensors (EO/IR) Market Assessment