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The contract provides a framework to achieve cost
savings while accessing a wider range of support activities than previously
provided. Thales offers a complete range of services and support packages
to suit specific operational and maintenance requirements.
The two former RN Sandown-class vessels – HMS Sandown and HMS
Inverness – were decommissioned and sold to Estonia in 2006. The
vessels were re-named ENS Admiral Cowan and ENS Sakala.
As part of a programme to return the two ships to operational service,
Thales originally signed a contract in 2006 to provide operational support
to the ships in service and upgrades to Thales UK’s highly-successful
Sonar 2093 system. This new contract now extends the support programme
until December 2016.
Sonar 2093 is a variable-depth sonar system and is designed for the
detection and classification of bottom and moored mines. It is optimized
for littoral (coastal) and open-ocean waters and is effective against
all known mine types.
The system is in service with the RN’s remaining Sandown-class
MCMVs, and existing export contracts include Japan, Australia, Saudi
Arabia, Turkey, Italy and the Republic of Korea.
Ed Lowe, head of Thales UK’s naval business, said: “We greatly
value our relationship with the Estonian Navy and the Defence Forces
and see this new contract as a key to providing their ships with the
best and most cost-effective long term support that will enable them
to meet their important national and NATO commitments.”
Neeme Kass, Director of the Procurement Service in Estonia, said: “This
signed agreement is a result of effective cooperation with Thales and
is significant for Estonian Defence Forces because our goal is to establish
long-term partnerships with professional companies.”
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