British Defence Ministry Secures Warthog(Bronco) Deal, From Singapore(ST Kinetic)

Singapore Technologies Kinetics has secured a 150 million pound (about $233 million) deal with Britain to supply Bronco armored all-terrain vehicles to troops deployed in Afghanistan.

The contract was officially announced here by the Ministry of Defence Dec 18.


The urgent operational requirement will see just over 100 vehicles delivered starting the third quarter of next year with the bulk of the Broncos delivered in 2010.
Although it is effectively an off-the-shelf purchase the tracked, articulated vehicle being built for the British will include a number of modifications.
These include a hull redesign to significantly increase protection against mines and roadside bombs, longer range fuel tanks, weapon modifications, the inclusion of electronic counter measures equipment and other changes.
The first British-bound vehicle is due off the production line in Spring 2009 for testing prior to handing over to the customer. Thales UK will be STK's local partner responsible for final integration work and the provision of logistic support for Bronco.
The vehicles, to be delivered in troop carrier, ambulance, command and repair and recovery variants, will replace BAE Systems Vikings currently deployed by British forces in Afghanistan.
The Vikings will be returned to the UK for continuing service with the Royal Marines. Bronco, to be known as the Warthog in British service, will be used by the marines and the army in Afghanistan.
The Singaporian developed vehicle beat out an improved version of the Viking developed by BAE Hagglunds, the Swedish armored vehicle arm of Europe's biggest defense contractor.
In a statement released here STK said Bronco will "Give the UK MoD a significant increase in protection against roadside bombs and also deliver considerable increases in range, payload and internal capacity over incumbent [Viking] vehicles currently being used in Afghanistan.
It's the second British defense contract win by Singapore in little more than a year. In 2007 the Ministry of Defence acquired 40mm grenades from STK in a deal valued at Singapore $42.5 million.
UK MoD program manager Simon Cox said the Bronco had "exceeded our expectations in terms of quality, capability and performance. We are delighted with the product, attitude [of the company] and the progress jointly made in a very short time."
This is the first export of the Bronco although several hundred of the vehicles have been in service with the Singapore military since the start of the decade.