Contract Awarded To Joint Venture Between Thales And NATS

AQUILA, a joint venture between Thales and NATS, has been awarded the £1.5 billion (approx. $2.42 billion) contract, which is expected to save U.K. taxpayers up to £1 billion (approx $1.6 billion) over the next 22 years.

This includes a substantial investment in advanced surveillance radars and a wide range of sophisticated equipment such as navigation aids and radios.

Starting next year, the program will see approximately 70 contracts merged into one and will cover the operation of more than 60 MOD sites in the UK and overseas, including in Cyprus, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands and Ascension Island.

The program, known as Marshall, will deliver a long-term, modern and reliable military air traffic management ( ATM ) service that will allow aircraft to operate safely in all weathers.

"Enabling our military aircraft to continue to operate as safely and efficiently as possible is absolutely vital," said Minister for Defense Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne. "This significant investment will ensure we have an advanced and secure service at MOD sites in the UK and abroad, and will support deployed UK and coalition forces worldwide."

AQUILA will be contracted to supply, maintain and install new and updated ATM equipment and train both maintainers and operators.

Over the life of the contract ... and when compared with current practices ... the MoD projects that Marshall will deliver significant savings through new equipment and efficiencies and bring the MOD fully up to date with the latest advances in technology.

(Image provided by the U.K. Ministry of Defense)

FMI: www.mod.uk