Re: Pakistan to get airborne radar at last: Swedish ERIEYE system purchased
this is good news for pakistan
**Friday, June 23, 2006
Swedish airborne radar system deal finalised**
STOCKHOLM: Swedish aerospace and defence company Saab AB said on Thursday it has finalised a $1.14 billion deal to supply an airborne radar system to Pakistan.
“This is a very important order for Saab, and it confirms our strong position in the world regarding airborne surveillance systems,” Saab Chief Executive Ake Svensson said. The deal was first announced in October last year, but has now been finalised, Saab said.
The system includes Saab 2000 turboprop aircraft equipped with airborne radars from Ericsson Microwave Systems. Saab bought Ericsson Microwave Systems from wireless equipment maker LM Ericsson earlier this month.
The air surveillance system can be used for both military and civilian purposes, such as helping coordinate relief flights after natural disasters, Saab said. The order will be included in Saab’s second-quarter earnings results, the company said.
Saab had signed a contract to supply the airborne surveillance system to Pakistan in 2005. The company acknowledged that Pakistan has long required an airborne system for continuous surveillance of their borders and air and sea territory. The surveillance system, together with existing ground-based radars, would provide a more detailed picture, enabling Pakistan to conduct rescue operations and detect threats to the country.
The system will be able to play a significant part in the search and rescue operations and in logistic support, the company said.
The system would be able to play a significant part in search and rescue operations in the aftermath of natural disasters such as last years October 8 earthquake. Saab is one of the world’s leading high-technology companies, with its main operations focusing on defence, aviation and space. The group covers a broad spectrum of competence and capabilities in systems integration. agencies
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006\06\23\story_23-6-2006_pg1_5