Norway’s Kongsberg Gruppen late last week said it’s Protech Systems was awarded a new, five year framework agreement valued up to $940 million from the U.S. Army for production, system support and technical engineering support of the M153 CROWS Remote Weapon Stations (RWS).
Kongsberg received the first order for $9.1 million under the framework agreement.
Australian firm Electro Optic Systems (EOS) also had submitted a proposal.
The total scope of the agreement will depend on future demand and annual allocations, the company said. Kongsberg has delivered RWSs to the Army’s CROWS program since 2007 and was the incumbent on the work (Defense Daily, Sept. 28).
“Kongsberg is very proud to have been selected as the supplier for the next phase of the CROWS program. We have produced and delivered PROTECTOR RWS systems for over a decade and this new contract reflects the U.S. Army’s confidence in the ability of Kongsberg to provide high quality systems, services and solutions,” says Walter Qvam, CEO, Kongsberg Gruppen.
“This contract award is a product of Kongsberg’s longstanding commitment to successfully deliver innovative solutions that meets our customers’ high demands for quality and efficiency,” says Egil Haugsdal, President of Kongsberg Protech Systems. “Our team looks forward to continuing the excellent relationship we have with the U.S. Army and to delivering highly advanced systems that meet customer’s current and future needs.”
M153 CROWS is the primary remote weapon station being used by U.S. forces. Kongsberg, working under the previous CROWS contract, has delivered over 10,000 M153 CROWS units to the U.S. military to date. In addition, Kongsberg has customers for remote weapon stations in 16 other countries.
“It is an important contract, and winning this program in the midst of a tough market ensures Kongsberg’s world leading position in the market for remotely operated weapon stations,” Egil Haugsdal said.