Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) has signed a $5 million contract with Safran Electronics & Defense Australasia (SEDA) for the supply of 32 MINEO Direct Fire Support Systems (DFSS) for the Land 8116 Protected Mobile Fires program to deliver the Huntsman family of vehicles to the Australian Army.
“Hanwha has worked with Safran in many markets internationally and now we can add Australia to the list, further growing the strong relationship between the two companies,” Richard Chom Managing Director of HDA, said. “The system will be used on the AS9 Self Propelled Howitzer (SPH) platform with acquisition through the Australian arms of our businesses. The MINEO DFSS forms an integral part of the weapon system on the Huntsman vehicles, along with KDAu's ODIN fire control system and the R400 RWS from EOS."
“It’s an exciting day as two Australian companies work together to further support and deliver a flawless capability to the Australian Defence Force on the Land 8116 Program,” Patrice Provost, Chief Executive Officer of with Safran Electronics & Defense Australasia said. “Safran and Hanwha Defense Australia are increasing the AS9 fitted with MINEO DFSS, and now working together in Australia will provide significant economic benefits and technology transfer to the Australian economy.
“Not only are we highlighting two great Australian companies working together, but the MINEO DFSS is the first Safran optronic system onboard an Australian Army vehicle, this contract will contribute to the worldwide success of MINEO DFFS,” Provost said.
The MINEO DFSS sight combines colour day and thermal imaging along with a laser range finder in a single unit with a low optical signaturem, with patented motionless colour day zoom.
The MINEO DFSS is already in service on both the Indian and Norwegian K9 programs.