Mine-sweeper contract

Thales has won a life-extension contract from the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) in Singapore, for its four Bedok Class mine-countermeasure vessels.

Thales will work with ST Electronics Group to provide an advanced, integrated mine-countermeasure (MCM) combat system that includes a mine information system, a hull-mounted sonar, a towed synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) and expendable mine-disposal systems.

Under the framework agreement, Thales will also be responsible for structural alterations to the vessel in order to integrate it into new systems.

Marc Darmon, senior vice-president of Thales, said: ‘Thales is honoured to have been selected by the DSTA as prime contractor for the modernisation program of the Bedok Class MCM vessels.

‘This contract award underlines the cutting edge of Thales’s naval technology portfolio to address the very challenging maritime environment of the Republic of Singapore.’

Benoit Ribadeau-Dumas, vice-president of Thales’s Underwater Systems Business, said: ‘Upon completion of the modernisation programme, the RSN will benefit from a high coverage rate of MCM operations, with a very high level of detection and classification accuracy of the most advanced sea mines.

‘This enhanced capability constitutes a key contribution to a safer maritime environment.’