Saab Group receives major Thai navy order

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The defence and security company Saab Group has received two orders from the Royal Thai Navy, worth a total of 454 million kronor ($73 million).

"This is Saab's first major agreement with the Royal Thai Navy, and the business strengthens our position in Thailand, which is an important market for Saab", said Gunilla Fransson, head of Saab's business area security and defense solutions, in a statement on Friday.

The contract, which will run between 2011 and 2014, involves an upgrade of two of the Thai navy's frigates with the latest generation of combat management and fire control systems, according to a statement released by Saab.

The Swedish company will also be supplying the Royal Thai Navy with a surveillance radar system as well as data-link equipment to the ships, allowing communication between the frigates and Thailand's existing Gripen and Saab 340 aircraft.

The interoperability between naval and airborne units will help to make more efficient use of resources, according to Fransson.

Saab is the main contractor to the Royal Thai Navy, and will also be responsible for procuring all third-party systems and integrating existing and new systems.

http://www.thelocal.se/34162/20110603/