News Review: Thales to supply NZ Army small arms ammo | ADM Mar 2010

1 March 2010

The New Zealand Army has awarded Thales a multi-year contract of undisclosed value to supply various types of small arms ammunition from the company's Benalla facility in Victoria.

The propellant for the ammunition, known for its superior ballistic performance at extreme temperatures, will be supplied from Thales's nearby factory in Mulwala, NSW.

"The proximity of New Zealand to Australia enables a close relationship with the customer," Ian Irving, Vice President of Thales's Land & Joint Systems activities in Australia, said.

"We can offer New Zealand the shortest and most efficient supply line for urgent requirements, and provide rapid responses to technical enquiries.

"The ammunition is optimised for superior performance in the weapons systems used by the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces, and is proven to deliver superior reliability and consistency in harsh climates.

"There is also the additional advantage of interoperability between New Zealand and Australian forces in future joint exercises and operations.

"Securing this significant export contract is a very good outcome not only for New Zealand, but also for our ordnance business, which supports hundreds of skilled jobs in regional areas."