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BAE makes UK jobs pledge on FRES
15 March 2010
BAE had initially bid to build their proposal, based on a shortened, lower profile version of the existing CV90 chassis, at the company's production line in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. The final assembly of the scout turret would have been completed in the UK.
The company is understood to be proposing to move production to Britain following suggestions that General Dynamics had secured the contract.
Alan Garwood, BAE's business development director, said: "We want the Army to have the best kit and we want to protect vital skills in the UK. To achieve this we are proposing to transfer work to Newcastle. This will create or sustain 800 skilled jobs.
"It would also sustain manufacturing at our Newcastle site until at least 2020. Finally, it would provide a platform for exports from the UK worth hundreds of millions."
General Dynamics' ASCOD SV features an upgraded chassis and drive train over the ASCOD vehicles currently in service with the Spanish and Austrian armies The bid would see Lockheed Martin UK integrate the ASCOD's 40mm Case Telescopic Weapon System.
The FRES SV programme currently consists of three blocks of reconnaissance vehicles plus medium armour and manoeuvre support, with up to 1,300 vehicles to be procured.
Reconnaissance Block 1 consists of scout, repair, recovery and protected mobility vehicles, with the scout set to replace the Scimitar armoured reconnaissance vehicle currently in use.
HAVE YOUR SAY
15 March 2010
If a UK built CV90 becomes block 1 FRES, then an interesting version could be added.I mean the CV90120-T, a 27 ton airmobile tank with a 120mm smoothbore Swiss gun. Ideal for the Paras (remember Arnhem) & the Royal Marines. Given an HE shell, this would be ideal mobile firepower.
John Hartley - Woking/England/UK
15 March 2010
Provided the CV90 MKIII is a 'virtually new design' and can accommodate 3+8 in its IFV version then it seems to me that the CV90 ought to win if the American KCX tanker procurement rules are applied to this procurement!!
Norman - UK
17 March 2010
why do we not have the system the army wanted in the first placed which would have ensured interoperbility with other forces we work with as well as retaining work in the uk and keeping our own defence industry.
Jerry - ex serviceman sussex
25 March 2010
Why did BAE not say it would be built in the UK in the first place? the answer GREED!
Both these vehicles are based on IFV`s which is what a warrior is in the first place so when the warrior upgrade program is stared there will be quite a few warrior`s left over why can`t they be shortened and turned in to reconnaissance version? common parts and servicing.
Lee - wootton bassett
09 April 2010
You, can't just shorten an existing chassis Lee, not without seriously compromising the hull integrity. Not good when you look at two of the successful IED attacks that were carried out against Warriors on OP Telic 9. Both the CV90 and ASCOD FRES SV bids are lowering the chassis for the role specified by the British Army, you would not be able to do that with the Warrior suspension. For me CV90120T would be the ideal Light Tank for the Light / Air Assault / Commando Brigades, however, smooth-bore guns cannot fire HE shells, HEAT is the closest they come.
Rob - Telford/UK/ British Army
18 February 2011
It;s about time the government of this country stood up for the people of the U K.Time and time again we see this government selling us down the river.Cutting all of these jobs in the defence manufacturing inthe U K and awarding multi-billion contracts to the United States is plain stupidity.Come on,Mr Cameron,let;s start looking after our own people first.Secure the jobs and livelihoods of people in this country,not 3500 miles away in the U S A.Don;t be a puppet,like Tony Blair was,his strings being pulled by the U S government.
roy carter - lieicester england