News Review: Thales Australia and General Dynamics announce long-term strategic teaming agreement | ADM Apr 2011

Thales Australia and US-based General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems have signed a long-term strategic teaming agreement to cooperate in the Australian ordnance market.

The 10-year agreement enables a refreshed approach to local manufacture and supply of munitions to the ADF, including the potential for greater exports. Under the agreement General Dynamics will transfer technology to Thales in Australia, while Thales will leverage its US partner’s expertise to focus on delivering maximum value to Defence through its existing munitions contracts.

This teaming agreement reinforces both our commitment to modernising the products on offer in Australia, and our dedication to delivering savings and greater value for money to the customer under Australia’s Strategic Reform Program, while bringing new benefits to the ADF,” Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia’s CEO, said.

“Thales and General Dynamics already have a strong working history,” Michael Wilson, president of General Dynamics ordnance and tactical systems, said. “This agreement will see increasingly close cooperation between the companies, and is a significant extension to our current arrangements for the Australian, European and US markets.”