BAE SYSTEMS To Supply Rapid Deployment Satcom Terminals To Astrium For Skynet 5 Programme

BAE SYSTEMS C4ISR has received a contract from Astrium, the joint venture between EADS and BAE SYSTEMS, for the supply of rapid deployment satellite communications (satcom) terminals. This represents one of the first procurements within the boundary of the Skynet 5 programme, for which the Paradigm Team, led by Paradigm Secure Communications (with Astrium and Paradigm Services as principal suppliers), was recently selected as the preferred bidder by the UK Ministry of Defence.

BAE SYSTEMS is to supply twelve terminals in two phases by the end of 2002, with a further supply of three in August 2003. They will satisfy the requirement within Skynet 5 for rapidly deployable satcoms to support British out-of-area deployments.

The Talon terminals, to be supplied by the Christchurch, United Kingdom, Communications & Defence Infrastructure Division of BAE SYSTEMS C4ISR, were also recently selected by the UK Ministry of Defence for a separate requirement to support NATO operations. Talon incorporates a range of commercial off-the-shelf components integrated to provide military features - such as satellite tracking, and the use of both defence and civil frequency bands - in a flyaway package

BAE SYSTEMS Communications Systems Director, Bob Fewings, comments "This contract reflects the rapid progress being made towards the introduction of Skynet 5. It will put fully developed equipment into the field at a rapid pace, enabling British forces to prepare for Skynet 5 functionality, whilst initially using the existing Skynet 4 satellite system."

About BAE SYSTEMS:
BAE SYSTEMS is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE SYSTEMS employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around £13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE SYSTEMS designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE SYSTEMS is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

BAE SYSTEMS C4ISR is a global centre of excellence supplying innovative, network enhanced solutions focused on military capability.

It employs proven systems integration skills to transfer advanced civil and military technologies into robust, single-service and tri-service information management environments. C4ISR optimises the operational effectiveness of command & control and platforms within the digitized battlespace, providing flexible architectures to support fast decision-making.

SKYNET 5
Paradigm
Recently selected as the preferred bidder for the UK MOD's Skynet 5 programme, the Paradigm team will provide secure satellite communications services initially through the transfer of ownership and operation of the existing Skynet 4 infrastructure, and then will further enhance these services by adding new Skynet 5 satellites and associated ground segment from the middle of the decade.

Paradigm Secure Communications was formed by Astrium in 1999 to address the emerging military satellite communications services market. Paradigm Secure Communications will contract with Paradigm Services for full service delivery and with Astrium for the Skynet 5 satellites and ground systems. Both Paradigm companies will become joint ventures between BAE SYSTEMS and EADS, the European Aeronautic Defence & Space company, on contract award.

For further information contact:
Dennis Burton, BAE SYSTEMS C4ISR
Tel: +44 (0) 1202 408512 Fax: +44 (0) 1202 404803 [email protected]

Issued by:
BAE SYSTEMS, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947 www.baesystems.com