The UK's front line forces are to be equipped with a new state-of-the-art target locator system, under a £30M contract with Thales UK.
The new Surveillance System and Range Finder (SSARF) allows a soldier to quickly establish the exact location and distance of enemy forces and determine the most appropriate and accurate mortar or artillery firepower to use. The new all-weather, day and night system is hand-held, lightweight, with built-in GPS, thermal imaging, and laser range finder of up to 5km.British troops welcome the new system, as it will be speedier, lighter to carry, more accurate and less conspicuous than the current system which has no thermal imaging, GPS and is tripod mounted. The new system will make troops more effective at identifying and targeting enemy forces. Announcing the contract at the Thales UK site in Glasgow, Defence Secretary Des Browne, said: 'The ability to see and target accurately at night gives our troops on operations a boost to their capabilities. This will help deliver more effective use of firepower and save lives. 'This new equipment for our troops is made in Scotland, where some of the most advanced optical equipment is being developed to deliver world class capabilities for Britain's armed forces.' The new system is expected to enter service in 2009. An earlier version, on which SSARF is based, is currently being used on operations. |
