United Kingdom Announces Approval of Third F-35B Joint Strike Fighter Purchase

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA) program has announced that the United Kingdom has received financial approval to purchase its third Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) F-35B Lightning II operational test aircraft, reinforcing the U.K.'s continued commitment to the Joint Strike Fighter program's upcoming Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E).
"The U.K. this week received financial approval to go ahead and purchase the third U.K. STOVL OT&E aircraft that is planned within LRIP 4. Given the extremely tight financial climate in the U.K. government and the consequent impact across public spending, especially defence, this is a significant achievement," said Air Commodore Graham Farnell, the U.K.'s Joint Combat Aircraft Team head. "I believe it reflects well upon the JSF program and it is a measure of the confidence that the U.K. has in both the F-35 Lightning II and the program to deliver this capability."
This approval follows recent F-35 down-select or procurement commitments by Australia, Norway, the Netherlands, Italy and the United States. The strength of the F-35 business case has enabled program suppliers to obtain the capital financing needed to recapitalize the industrial base and produce the F-35 in high quantities over the next 30 years.
"The United Kingdom's participation in F-35 Operational Test and Evaluation, and the associated commitment to purchase F-35s in early production lots, help ensure production stability as we move from the current assembly rate of one aircraft per month to our goal of one per day," said Matt Maxwell, Lockheed Martin director for F-35 Low Rate Initial Production.
The U.K. has invested $2 billion in the F-35's development – the largest contribution among the program's eight partner nations. More than 100 British companies are involved in the program, including BAE Systems, which produces the aircraft's aft fuselage and tails; Rolls-Royce, developer and manufacturer of the shaft-driven lift fan and other propulsion components for the F-35B STOVL variant; and Martin Baker, maker of the jet's ejection seats.
The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth fighter. Three variants derived from a common design, developed together and using the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide, will replace aircraft in at least 13 services for nine nations initially, making the Lightning II the most cost-effective fighter program in history.
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.
For additional information, visit our Web site:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com

Research and Markets: The Worldwide Industry & Regional Market Opportunities with Forecasts to 2015 for Active Electronically-Scanned Array Radars

Research and Markets: The Worldwide Industry & Regional Market Opportunities with Forecasts to 2015 for Active Electronically-Scanned Array Radars (AESAs) Update Report
DUBLIN--December 22, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/67fdb5/the_worldwide_indu) has announced the addition of the "The Worldwide Industry & Regional Market Opportunities with Forecasts to 2015 for Active Electronically-Scanned Array Radars (AESAs) Update Report" report to their offering.
AESAs2 comprises an extensive and intensive report providing detailed information on the current status and (most importantly) forecast shipments and RF component market values in AESAs. AESAs2 is the updated report based strongly on the authors first report on this subject, released in 2007. Major new developments have occurred or are on the visible horizon, necessitating the generation of this update report. Active, electronically steered arrays (AESAs) are increasingly being implemented into (mainly military) systems currently and there is substantial mileage for important new developments. For some decades the potential advantages have been well known in terms of having a radar beam that could be scanned at orders-of-magnitude faster rates than available mechanically.
In earlier instances the fundamental high-power signal for phased arrays was obtained from a microwave tube source such as a TWT the output of which was separated to feed typically some tens through hundreds of individual antenna elements. The advent of MMICs for both transmit and also for receive functions has transformed the technology and functionality associated with such arrays. Therefore, with this updated report, we are concentrating exclusively on AESAs. Demand for radars is steadily increasing-both commercial and (especially) military. The "War against Terrorism" and the campaigns in both Afghanistan and Iraq have continued to drive upwards electronics requirements in defense and security applications. This applies to airborne, battlefield, naval and space-based radars. In this report we cover in depth a study of the various types of AESAs, their production and developmental status, specific examples of airborne, shipboard/naval, land-based, and space-based phased array radars (SBRs). We also include a study of the components and subsystems used in such arrays and provide competitive assessments of key players in this industry-including the systems integrators and principal consortium members. Major examples are: EADS Defence Electronics, Galileo Avionica, INDRA, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Company, Saab Microwave Systems, SELEX Sensors & Airborne Systems-and Thales.
Underlying technology and impacts.
Bearing in mind the importance in this segment of RF/microwave amplifiers and signal sources, specifically the modular products providing these functions, appropriate technologies are also considered from time to time in this report. This particularly includes the semiconductors GaAs, GaN, InP and SiC and transmit-receive modules (TRMs) implementing MMICs built using selected chip-sets comprising these semiconductor materials.
Examples of references consulted for updated information include, mainly on the supply-side: exhibition-originated data (e.g. MTT-S 2008), on-going issues of the Microwave Journal, Microwaves & RF and Microwave Product Digest. On the Demand Side magazines such as Aviation Week & Space Technology and Janes Defense Review are regularly consulted. Important useful web links include: Military & Aerospace Electronics, Microwave Flash and RF Globalnet. Most importantly, regular contact is maintained with appropriate industry executives.
Key Topics Covered:
*Front page and Introductory Portion.
*Executive Summary.
*ES.1 Introduction.
*SECTION 1. What is an AESA?
*SECTION 2. A Selection of End-User Platforms
*SECTION 3. AESAs Currently in Production
*SECTION 4. Current and On-coming Technologies
*SECTION 5. Key AESA Systems Supply Side
*SECTION 6. Shipments, Prices and Monetary Values Forecasts
*SECTION 7. Supply Chains
*SECTION 8. Directory of Main AESA Players
*SECTION 9. Directory of Prime Contractors
*Appendix A Glossary of Acronyms
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/67fdb5/the_worldwide_indu
Contact:
Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

BAE Systems Equips U.S. Army Helicopters with Infrared Countermeasures

NASHUA, N.H.-- December 22, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--BAE Systems has successfully installed the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM) system on U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook aircraft. The ATIRCM system is a laser-based, directable countermeasures system that protects helicopters against attack by missiles.
The ATIRCM system and AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System greatly enhances overall aircraft survivability against current and evolving threats. Its installation follows a series of rigorous qualification, field, and flight tests. (A U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook, equipped with BAE Systems' ATIRCM system, dispenses flares during recent flight tests. (Photo: Business Wire)) The first systems were installed ahead of the Dec. 15 deadline for the Army’s ATIRCM quick-reaction capability program.
“Our team delivered on its promises,” said Jim Crouch, vice president and general manager of Survivability and Protection Solutions for BAE Systems. “This system will sense, process, and respond to the threats these crews face every day, and it will save lives.”
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6126167&lang=en
MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6126167
Contact:
BAE Systems
Matthew C. Bates,
+1 603-885-4558
Mobile: +1 603-318-6521
matthew.bates@baesystems.com
or
Susan Lenhardt,
+1 301-838-6907
Mobile: +1 703-850-1621
susan.lenhardt@baesystems.com
www.baesystems.com

U.S. Army fires TALON Laser-Guided Rocket Rounds from OH-58D Kiowa Warrior

Demonstration addresses urgent U.S. Army operational need

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., Dec. 22, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army fired two TALON Laser-Guided Rocket guided test vehicle rounds during the Aviation Multi-Platform Munition Demonstration.
TALON LGR is a cooperative development effort between Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Emirates Advanced Investments of the United Arab Emirates.
The TALON LGR rounds were launched from a U.S. Army OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and hit targets at 3,500 meters (2.17 miles). This exceeded accuracy requirements for the Department of Defense's Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II program.
"In September, the U.S. Army clearly stated the need for a guided munition capable of being launched from the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "TALON LGR can meet that operational need. U.S. forces will be able to obtain a fully qualified laser-guided rocket that meets or exceeds all the guided 70 mm rocket requirements without expending tens of millions of dollars in research, evaluation and testing."
The TALON LGR is a low-cost, semi-active laser guidance and control kit that connects directly to the front of the legacy 2.75-inch unguided rockets fired from the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. It requires no software or hardware modifications to the launcher or aircraft platform and can be fired from any aircraft that fires 2.75-inch unguided rockets.
"LGR is a highly reliable precision rocket solution for a variety of fixed- and rotary-wing platforms," said Hussain Al Hammadi, EAI's chief executive officer. "The success of this demonstration further proves the TALON LGR will provide warfighters with a precision capability they've never had before."
TALON LGR fills the critical operational capability gap between unguided rockets and guided, heavy anti-tank missiles.
"This year's small-guided munition demonstration is critical because we're exploring options to provide precision-guided capabilities to our combatant commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Col. Michael Cavalier, Joint Attack Munitions Systems project manager. "This demonstration has given us a better understanding of our options with regard to developing a precision-guided weapon that can be launched from a Kiowa Warrior."
EAI continues to be the region's leader in providing modernized defense capabilities to the United Arab Emirates.
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.

Contact:
Jaclyn Gutmann
520.545.8428 (office)

781.879.2789 (cell)

Jaclyn_E_Gutmann@raytheon.com

Heather Uberuaga
520.665.5594 (office)
520.891.8421 (cell)
uberuaga@raytheon.com

Textron Marine & Land Systems Contracted to Build 27 Additional Armored Knight Vehicles

NEW ORLEANS--December 22, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Textron Marine & Land Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT - News) company, today announced the award of a letter contract to build an additional 27 Armored Knight vehicles for U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM).
The firm-fixed-price contract, an additional undefinitized contract action under the existing ASV Production III contract, is valued at approximately $10 million and the vehicles are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2010. The M1200 Armored Knight is a derivative of the Textron Marine & Land Systems Armored Security Vehicle (ASV). The vehicle is outfitted with a laser targeting system for the U.S. Army Field Artillery Combat Observation and Lasing Teams (COLT) by DRS Sustainment Systems Inc., the prime contractor on the M1200 program. “The Armored Knight is a successful program in which the ASV platform has proven to be effective in accomplishing the mission of the U.S. Army,” said Textron Marine & Land Systems General Manager Tom Walmsley. “The ASV is a versatile platform providing exceptional protection, mobility and reliability.”
The ASV family of vehicles is based on a 4X4 wheeled armored vehicle that offers significant crew protection through the employment of multiple layers of armor, defending against small arms fire, artillery projectile fragments, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and land mines. The ASV possesses superior mobility, agility, handling and ride quality through the utilization of a four-wheel independent suspension system.
The ASV has maintained exceptional operational readiness and combat availability rates over the life of the U.S. Army program as vehicles log more than 30,000 miles per year in combat operations. Textron Marine & Land Systems has achieved more than 51 consecutive months of on-time delivery to the U.S. Army on the ASV program.
The ASV family of vehicles performs a wide variety of missions including scout, infantry personnel carrier, reconnaissance, command and control and recovery. U.S. Army ASV missions include operations with the Military Police, convoy protection, perimeter security, as well as combat laser designation with the M1200 Armored Knight ASV configuration.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
Contact:
Investor Contacts:
Textron
Doug Wilburne, 401-457-2288
or
Bill Pitts, 401-457-2288
or
Media Contacts:
Textron Systems
Sharon Corona, 410-628-3184
or
Textron
Michael Maynard, 401-457-2474

Optex Systems Teams With L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. on Laser Interference Filter Solicitation

RICHARDSON, Texas, Dec. 22, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:OPXS - News), a leading manufacturer of optical sighting systems and assemblies primarily for Department of Defense applications, today announced that it has signed a mutually exclusive Teaming Agreement (TA) with L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. (L-3 Communications) (NYSE:LLL - News) on the proposal for production of Laser Interference Filters used to protect night vision equipment. The solicitation is a two-step invitation for bid for Communications and Electronics Command (CECOM).
This solicitation calls for the delivery of up to 5,000 units per month on an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) production schedule for a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) 5 year contract.
Gregg Bell, President of L-3 Communications Electro-Optical Systems (EOS) division was quoted as saying, "Optex has been a great customer of our EOS division for many years and we look forward to teaming with them on the Laser Interference Filter program. We believe the breadth and depth of our two companies provides the best value solution for our war fighters."
ABOUT OPTEX SYSTEMS
Optex, which was founded in 1987, is a Richardson, Texas-based ISO 9001:2008 certified concern, which manufactures optical sighting systems and assemblies, primarily for Department of Defense (DOD) applications. Its products are installed on various types of U.S. military land vehicles, such as the Abrams and Bradley fighting vehicles, Light Armored and Armored Security Vehicles, and have been selected for installation on the Stryker family of vehicles. Optex also manufactures and delivers numerous periscope configurations, rifle and surveillance sights and night vision optical assemblies. Optex delivers its products both directly to the military services and to prime contractors. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.optexsys.com.
ABOUT L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS INC.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 66,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems. The company reported 2008 sales of $14.9 billion.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release and other written reports and oral statements made from time to time by the Company may contain so-called "forward-looking statements," all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties. You can identify these forward-looking statements by their use of words such as "expects," "plans," "will," "estimates," "forecasts," "projects" and other words of similar meaning. You can identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements are likely to address the Company's growth strategy, financial results and product and development programs. You must carefully consider any such statement and should understand that many factors could cause actual results to differ from the Company's forward-looking statements. These factors include inaccurate assumptions and a broad variety of other risks and uncertainties, including some that are known and some that are not. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially.
The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. You should carefully evaluate such statements in light of factors described in the Company's filings with the SEC, especially on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. In various filings the Company has identified important factors that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historic results. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete list of all potential risks or uncertainties.

Contact:
ZA Consulting Inc.

Investor and Public Relations for Optex Systems

David Zazoff

212-505-5976

pressreleases@za-consulting.net

Boeing Acquires Alenia North America's Interest in Global Aeronautica

SEATTLE, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) said today it has acquired Alenia North America's half of Global Aeronautica, LLC, a South Carolina fuselage subassembly facility for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, and is now the sole owner of that entity. Alenia North America is a subsidiary of Italy's Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company.
Operationally, Boeing will integrate the Global Aeronautica facility with the rest of Boeing's organization in North Charleston, S.C.
"The Boeing Charleston site is critical to the success of the 787 program," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Through this acquisition, Boeing benefits by joining together two solid operations – including their talented employees and state-of-the-art facilities – into one Boeing team. Ultimately, we believe integration of the site will increase productivity for the 787 program and allow us to maintain our long-term competitiveness."
"We are proud of the major contribution we have made over the past four years through our partnership in Global Aeronautica to the 787 program and to the state of South Carolina," said Giuseppe Giordo, president and CEO of Alenia North America. "We are confident that the foundation we have developed will continue to flourish as it is integrated into Boeing Charleston."
The acquisition was effected through a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing; other terms were not disclosed.
"We look forward to integrating the employees of both operations into one team in North Charleston, along with continuing our partnership with Alenia on the 787 program," said Albaugh.
Global Aeronautica, LLC, began in 2004 when Alenia North America and Vought Aircraft Industries formed a 50/50 joint venture in support of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In 2008, Boeing purchased Vought's interest in Global Aeronautica, making the company a 50/50 joint venture between Alenia North America and Boeing.
Global Aeronautica's integration entails the joining of the mid-fuselage sections, the installation and testing of associated elements, and the application of surface finishes to more than 60 percent of the 787's fuselage. Global Aeronautica sits adjacent to the Boeing Charleston site and shares a 240-acre (97-hectare) campus.
Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty
Certain statements in this report may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "anticipates," and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions about future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak to events only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the effect of economic conditions in the United States and globally; the successful execution of our Commercial Airplanes and Integrated Defense Systems backlog; the ability to successfully develop and timely produce the 787 aircraft; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses; and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
Ann Schmidt
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications
+1 206-853-5450
ann.m.schmidt@boeing.com
Russ Young
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications
+1 206-766-2926
russell.young@boeing.com
Alenia North America
Ben Stone
+1 202-549-2962
bstone@aleniainc.com

Saab Sells the ARTHUR Radar System to Italy

STOCKHOLM--December 22, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Defence and security company Saab (STO:SAABB) has signed a contract for the sale of its ARTHUR WLS (Weapon Locating System) to the Italian Army. The order has been obtained in collaboration with the Italian company Selex Sistemi Integrati (Finmeccanica Group). The value of the order to Saab is approximately MEUR 46 (approximately MSEK 475).
Saab is to supply the radar system, with Selex Sistemi Integrati (Finmeccanica Group) supplying the command and communications solution. The contract, which is a basic order with an expansion opportunity, also comprises associated logistics with training, installation and support. Deliveries are estimated to take place over the next three years.
The Italian Army will be using the system for international assignments.
“Highly-functional weapon locating systems have become an increasingly important component in peacekeeping missions throughout the world, both for ensuring that peace accords are being upheld, and for the protection of own personnel. ARTHUR, which is the market-leading mobile weapon locating system, has therefore also become a major export success story for Saab over the years", says Lennart Joelsson, business unit manager, Saab Microwave Systems.
Saab's ARTHUR radar system locates incoming enemy projectiles and missiles. The system provides information about the firing position and point of impact, and can simultaneously direct countermeasures. It therefore contributes to increased protection for friendly forces and the civilian population.
ARTHUR has been supplied to several countries throughout the world besides Sweden. Denmark, Greece, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, South Korea and the Czech Republic are among those who have bought different versions of the radar system. The peacekeeping forces of the Canadian and Italian armies have successfully used ARTHUR in Afghanistan.
The information is that which Saab AB is required to declare by the Securities Business Act and/or the Financial instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on December 22 at 12.20.
Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com
Contact:
Saab Press Centre
+46 (0)734 180 018
www.saabgroup.com

Oshkosh Corporation Surpasses 1,000 Vehicles a Month; Again Delivers Ahead of Schedule

OSHKOSH, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK - News) announced today that it has reached a milestone production rate for the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) of 1,000 vehicles per month on December 18. The production for December is the sixth consecutive month Oshkosh exceeded delivery requirements. Since being awarded the contract on June 30, 2009, Oshkosh has been steadily ramping up production, and will continue at this rate of 1,000 vehicles per month through May 2010 to deliver the 6,619 vehicles currently under contract.
“Our employee gave a great effort to meet the aggressive production timeline for these urgently needed vehicles. These M-ATVs will help improve the safety and mobility of our soldiers and Marines in Afghanistan,” said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. “Staying on or ahead of our delivery schedule goes beyond the M-ATV program. It is a core value with every order we receive and every high-quality vehicle we produce here at Oshkosh.”
Oshkosh reached the milestone by using production capacity at existing manufacturing facilities in Oshkosh, Wis. and McConnellsburg, Pa. These and other Oshkosh Corporation manufacturing facilities have available production capacity for all current and pending military vehicle programs, including the M-ATV and the U.S. Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) program, as well as any surges in production. Oshkosh uses an integrated assembly line to simultaneously produce as many as 10 vehicle models with 29 variations at its facilities.
In addition to exceeding the M-ATV’s production requirements, Oshkosh has received orders to send its fully trained field service representatives (FSR) to Afghanistan and supply spare-parts kits to provide the full spectrum of life-cycle support that will help sustain the M-ATV program. Oshkosh has the experience and infrastructure in place in the theater of operation to provide the required level of support, from parts supply to remanufacturing.
Oshkosh Defense has teamed with Plasan North America to provide an advanced armor solution for the M-ATV. Plasan also developed the armor system used on more than 5,000 legacy MRAPs and thousands of Oshkosh Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) Armored Cabs already in theater.
About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit www.oshkoshdefense.com.
About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include risks related to the required increase in the rate of production for the M-ATV contract and the amount, if any, of additional orders for M-ATVs that the Company may receive; the cyclical nature of the Company’s access equipment, commercial and fire & emergency markets, especially during a global recession and credit crisis; the duration of the global recession, which could lead to additional impairment charges related to many of the Company’s intangible assets; the expected level and timing of U.S. Department of Defense procurement of products and services and funding thereof, including the outcome of the formal protests of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) award to the Company; risks related to reductions in government expenditures and the uncertainty of government contracts; the consequences of financial leverage associated with the JLG acquisition, which could limit the Company’s ability to pursue various opportunities; risks related to the collectability of receivables during a recession, particularly for those businesses with exposure to construction markets; risks related to production delays as a result of the economy’s impact on the Company’s suppliers; the potential for commodity costs to rise sharply, including in a future economic recovery; risks associated with international operations and sales, including foreign currency fluctuations; and the potential for increased costs relating to compliance with changes in laws and regulations. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update information contained in this press release.
Contact:
Oshkosh Corporation
Financial:
Patrick Davidson
Vice President, Investor Relations
920.966.5939
or
Media:
Ann Stawski
Vice President, Marketing Communications
920.966.5959

Turkey reaches deal with Israel on drone purchase

ANKARA, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Turkey has reached an agreement with Israel to purchase 10 Heron drones from Israel and a deal would be announced within one or two days, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) said on Tuesday.
"We've reached agreement with procurement office. We expect to announce an agreement within a few days," TAI Chief Executive Muharrem Dortkasli told reporters.
Turkey and Israel signed a deal in 2005 for the supply of the unmanned aircraft, worth $185 million.
Turkish Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul in July denied reports published in the Israeli media that the deal would be cancelled due to the delay in the project.
Speculation about the project's cancellation had mounted amid escalating tensions between regional allies Israel and Turkey, which had sharply criticised Israel's Palestinian policies, especially the Gaza offensive it launched in December 2009.
TAI is partners in the venture to build the Herons with Air Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Israeli defence manufacturer Elbit (ESLT.TA) (ESLT.O). (Reporting by Zerin Elci)

Saab and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation Sign Agreement for Support Solutions - First Significant Order Achieved

STOCKHOLM-- December 22, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Saab (STO:SAABB) and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (MJET) have signed an agreement under which Saab will provide technical publication documentation work to MJET in support of their Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) programme.
The framework agreement is a strategically important achievement for Saab. It opens the path for further discussion between the companies to supply and apply Saab’s extensive expertise in the area of commercial aircraft support solutions, gained from the Saab 340 and 2000 programmes as well as various military programmes, to MJET and their new MRJ aircraft. The Mitsubishi Regional Jet is a family of 70- to 90-seat next-generation regional jets.
A first support contract has been signed within the frame of the agreement. On request of the customer the order value will not be announced.
“We have had on-going discussions with Mitsubishi since 2003 when they were first considering entering the regional jet market and had concluded that they needed a partner for support and services outside Japan”, states Saab Aerotech President Lars-Erik Wige. “This agreement and the first specific contract to result from it are a positive step forward in the cooperation between our two companies. Mitsubishi is developing a ground breaking aircraft in the MRJ and Saab is proud to work with them in their effort to provide equally ground breaking levels of customer support.”
“At MJET, as we undertake the implementation of customer support related to the MRJ, we are pleased to have Saab, with its many years of experience in this area, as a partner to help us in developing some parts of our technical manuals in the field of customer support. This is one big step forward in MJET’s drive to provide top-notch service to our valued customers,” said MJET President Hideo Egawa.
The initial contract signed covers the area of technical publications development during the years 2010-2015. Under this contract, Saab will develop a comprehensive package of maintenance and support documentation for both the MRJ70 as well as for the MRJ90 aircraft including, for example, maintenance manuals as well as spare parts catalogues. The technical publications will be developed to the new S1000D 4.0 standard. Discussions continue between the two companies to finalize additional areas of cooperation.
MJET has announced MRJ orders for 25 aircraft to All Nippon Airways, Japan (15 firm and 10 options) and a Letter of Intent to provide 100 aircraft to Trans States Holdings Inc., USA (50 firm and 50 options). The Aircraft is under development in Nagoya Japan and the first flight expected to take place second quarter 2012. The aircraft will enter into service during the first quarter of 2014.
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (MJET) commenced operation on April 1, 2008 to conduct the design, type certification, procurement, sales and marketing, and customer support of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ). It is currently capitalized at 100 billion yen, with this financing being furnished by, among others, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
The information is that which Saab AB is required to declare by the Securities Business Act and/or the Financial instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on December 22, at 11.20.
Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com
Contact:
Saab Press Centre, +46 (0)734 180 018
www.saabgroup.com