General Dynamics UK and Defence Support Group sign FRES SV agreement

09/02/2010
General Dynamics UK and Defence Support Group sign FRES SV agreement

General Dynamics UK and the MoD's Defence Support Group (DSG) have signed a high-level agreement on the FRES Specialist Vehicle (SV) programme.

The Memorandum of Understanding would see substantial work taking place at DSG's Donnington facilities and become the basis for a long-term relationship in support of the UK's defence industrial capabilities.

Sandy Wilson, President and Managing Director of General Dynamics UK, said: "This agreement builds on the strong working relationship between DSG and General Dynamics UK, as Bowman prime contractor and systems integrator, on the Army's current fleet.  It offers substantial value to the UK industrial base."

 

Archie Hughes, Chief Executive of DSG, said: "I very much welcome this agreement, which reflects the capabilities of DSG and its workforce.  It would pair the skills of two of the UK's leading Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) workforces, maintaining and enhancing the UK's sovereign capability to develop and upgrade AFVs in the long term."

 

General Dynamics is offering ASCOD SV, the latest development of a proven European AFV family, for FRES SV.  Designed to a rating of 42 tonnes and with a transmission rated at 45 tonnes, ASCOD SV offers excellent protection against current and future threats, a common base platform that fully meets the FRES SV requirement, and substantial growth potential for future enhancement.

 

ENDS

 

Hi-res imagery available on request.  

 

Contact: Andrew Boyle

Tel: +44 (0)20 7932 3445

Mobile: +44 (0)7970 262739

andrew.boyle@generaldynamics.uk.com

 

Contact: Tom Griffin

Tel: +44 (0)1495 234357

Mobile: +44 (0)7903 190156

tom.griffin@generaldynamics.uk.com

 

NOTES FOR EDITORS

 

General Dynamics UK has been established in the UK since 1962, and employs over 1600 people at ten sites.  Part of General Dynamics, the world's leading supplier of Armoured Fighting Vehicles, General Dynamics UK has successfully delivered the complex integration of more than 13,500 British Army vehicles as prime contractor for the Bowman programme.

 

DSG launched on 1 April 2008 and brought together the ABRO and DARA businesses into a single new defence Trading Fund. DSG's primary focus is in providing expert in-house maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for the through-life support of the key land and air-based platforms and equipment of the UK Armed Forces.  DSG's Head Office is located in Andover and provides strategic direction to the main sites in Bovington, Catterick, Colchester, Donnington, Sealand, St Athan, Stafford, Stirling, Telford and Warminster. Smaller support sites located in Aldershot, Bicester, Kinnegar and Sennybridge further enhances DSG's geographic coverage. Small support teams are also permanently embedded in other UK military sites.