BAE Will Supply Interim Defensive Weapon Systems

The U.S. Navy has issued a contract to BAE Systems for the delivery of Interim Defensive Weapons Systems (IDWS) kits for installation on the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) announced the awarded a $14 million contract in a news release Thursday. The work will be performed by BAE Systems in Johnson City, and is expected to be completed by December 2012.

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In 2008, Hinchey used his position on the House Appropriations Committee to secure $15 million to make the program operational. “Developing the innovations that will provide greater protection to our service members is a tremendous undertaking, and I am pleased the work will be done here in the Southern Tier,” Hinchey said in the release. “This contract will help continue to bring federal money to Broome County to help fuel our region’s economic recovery. I look forward to working with the Department of Defense to ensure the project is seen through and jobs continue to be added to the workforce for an array of defense projects in the region.”

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The IDWS provides 360 degrees of protection to troops during dangerous missions, addressing concerns about the V-22’s defensive capabilities.

FMI: www.navy.mil, www.baesystems.com