Iran will inaugurate several missile and arms projects next month to coincide with the 31st anniversary of its 1979 Islamic revolution, a Revolutionary Guards commander said on Tuesday. Guards commander Massoud Jazayeri did not say whether Iran would test-fire new missiles and gave no other details of the planned events. A missile launch would be likely to add to tension with Western powers worried by Iran's nuclear ambitions. "Iran's Defence Ministry will inaugurate several missiles and arms projects during the Fajr (Dawn) 10-day period, marking the victory of the 1979 Islamic revolution," he told a news conference. Iran marks the revolution's anniversary from February 1-11, starting on the day in 1979 when the Islamic Republic's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to Tehran from exile in France. Iran will inaugurate several missile and arms projects next month to coincide with the 31st anniversary of its 1979 Islamic revolution, a Revolutionary Guards commander said on 26 January 2010.

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On 22 January 2010 the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress of a possible foreign military sale (FMS) to India of 145 M777 155mm light-weight towed howitzers with laser inertial artillery pointing systems (LINAPS) and associated equipment, training and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $647 million. According to the DSCA, “this proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship and to improve the security of an important partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South Asia.” The agency further explains that India intends to use the howitzers to modernise its armed forces and enhance its ability to operate in hazardous conditions. According to the official press release of the DSCA, the howitzers will assist the Indian Army to develop and enhance standardisation and to improve interoperability with US soldiers and Marines who use the M777 as their primary means of indirect fire. On 22 January 2010 the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress of a possible foreign military sale (FMS) to India of 145 M777 155mm light-weight towed howitzers with laser inertial artillery pointing systems (LINAPS)

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British troops have begun training on Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK) Warthog all-terrain armoured vehicles in preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan later this year, an STK spokesman told Jane's on 21 January. A contingent of "around 10" British Army soldiers began training on the vehicle in Singapore last year to allow them to become instructors for the first formed unit to receive the Warthog. "We have trained the trainers," Patrick Choy, STK's Director of International Relations, told Jane's. "The British Army now has enough vehicles to begin training a company's worth of troops in the UK." Soldiers of the Royal Dragoon Guards, based in Catterick in North Yorkshire, will be converting from their Vickers Defence (now BAE Systems Land Systems) Challenger 2 main battle tanks in time to deploy with the Warthog to Afghanistan with the 4th Mechanized Brigade between April and May, a British Army spokesman told Jane's on 25 January. The first batch of Warthogs are currently with the Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU) at Bovington in Dorset.British troops have begun training on Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK) Warthog all-terrain armoured vehicles in preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan later this year, an STK spokesman told Jane's on 21 January.

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The French government has appointed Adm. Edouard Guillaud as chief of the Defense Staff, minutes of the weekly Cabinet meeting showed on 27 January 2010. Adm. Edouard Guillaud is currently chief military adviser to French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The appointment of Guillaud is effective Feb. 25, according to the minutes from the office of the president. He succeeds Army Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, who took up the post in 2006 and reached retirement age last year. Georgelin's mission was extended by six months.The French government has appointed Adm. Edouard Guillaud as chief of the Defense Staff, minutes of the weekly Cabinet meeting showed on 27 January 2010. Adm. Edouard Guillaud is currently chief military adviser to French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

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Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has been awarded a delivery order valued at more than $21 million from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) to produce more than 60 recapitalized next-generation Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) A4. The order, which also includes the delivery of components and engines, is for the M984 HEMTT A4 wrecker variant. Production is expected to begin in January 2011 and be completed in April 2011. The order was issued under the Army’s Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) III contract. Through the Oshkosh Defense remanufacturing and recapitalization services, heavily used vehicles are returned to Oshkosh, stripped to their frame rails, completely rebuilt to like-new condition and upgraded to the new A4 configuration. Recapitalized vehicles are considered to have zero miles and zero hours, and offer a significant cost savings compared to new vehicles. These vehicles are put through the same road tests, performance tests and inspection procedures as new vehicles before being delivered with the same bumper-to-bumper warranty provided for new HEMTTs.Oshkosh Defense has been awarded a delivery order valued at more than $21 million from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) to produce more than 60 recapitalized next-generation Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) A4.

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There is nothing to stop Russia from selling military equipment to Iran, the head of Russia's state-run arms exporter said on Thursday. "Nothing prevents the continuation of military cooperation in those directions of interest to Russia and Iran," Rosoboronexport's Anatoly Isaikin told a RIA Novosti news conference. "Iran has never violated a single commitment it has undertaken with regard to military contracts," he said. Russia signed a contract with Iran on the supply of S-300 air defense systems to Tehran in December 2005. However, there have been no official reports on the start of the contract's implementation. Both the U.S. and Israel have expressed concern over the possibility of S-300 deliveries to Iran, which would significantly strengthen the country's air defenses.There is nothing to stop Russia from selling military equipment to Iran, the head of Russia's state-run arms exporter said on Thursday. "Nothing prevents the continuation of military cooperation in those directions of interest to Russia and Iran," Rosoboronexport's Anatoly Isaikin told a RIA Novosti news conference.

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Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud has been killed in a U.S. drone missile strike, Pakistan state television reported on Sunday. Mehsud died in Orakzai tribal area where he was reportedly treated for his injuries, the TV said. The U.S. has stepped up its drone attacks on Pakistan's border areas after a suicide bomber linked to the country's Taliban branch had killed seven CIA agents in the neighboring Khost province of Afghanistan in December last year. According to the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), a total of 3,021 people were killed and 7,334 injured in terrorists attacks in Pakistan last year. Militants were killed in U.S. drone strikes or, more often, sweeping army offensives against their mountain strongholds in Swat and South Waziristan. Pakistan has witnessed a rise in bombings believed to be conducted by Islamists in response to military operations in their strongholds in the northwest. The Pakistani military has been holding massive operations in South Waziristan, the Taliban's stronghold on the border with Afghanistan. The United States has also urged Pakistan to target Al-Qaeda militants on its territory, accusing them of carrying out attacks on U.S. and NATO troops in AfghanistanPakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud has been killed in a U.S. drone missile strike, Pakistan state television reported on Sunday. Mehsud died in Orakzai tribal area where he was reportedly treated for his injuries, the TV said.

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Nearly 900 soldiers of a Russian airborne division deployed in the area of Ivanovo (in the North-East of Moscow, Russia) carried out Tuesday a massive parachuting, announced a spokesman of the airborne Troops. “In spite of the cold - less 28°C on the aerodrome - nearly 900 parachutists carried out this January 26th, 2010 a jump since transport aircraft IL-76”, indicated the soldier without specifying the number of mobilized planes. “It’s the first parachuting from transport aircraft IL-76 in 2010”, it added, announcing that “all the personnel of the Russian airborne troops will carry out jumps in parachute before the end of January and in February 2010”. This once more shows the operational capacities of the Russian airborne troops, able to carry out missions of combat under all weather conditions.Nearly 900 soldiers of a Russian airborne division deployed in the area of Ivanovo (in the North-East of Moscow, Russia) carried out Tuesday a massive parachuting, announced a spokesman of the airborne Troops. “In spite of the cold - less 28°C on the aerodrome.

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Alexander Sokolov, a leading specialist with the Kontsern Sistemprom federal state-owned firm, said the Akatsia-M system, which he described as "a military analogue of the Internet," would be deployed in all military districts by 2012 "if there is sufficient funding." He added that such systems had already been deployed at an auxiliary command and control post of the General Staff, the Voronezh Army, and the Moscow Military District. "Akatsia-M is the field infrastructure of a military computation network - i.e., infrastructure for the operation of the military Internet," Sokolov said. He said the system was tested in 2008 and its deliveries to the troops started in 2009. It will next be provided to the North Caucasus Military District. Each mobile command and control post is equipped with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to ensure effective operation on the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA). "On the FEBA, the military will have a terrain picture in real time," he expert said. The Akatsia-M system, which is operated by two specialists, uses a UAV with a cruising speed of 120 kmh, a flight endurance time of 11/2 hours and an onboard camera with a range of up to 15 km.Alexander Sokolov, a leading specialist with the Kontsern Sistemprom federal state-owned firm, said the Akatsia-M system, which he described as "a military analogue of the Internet," would be deployed in all military districts by 2012 "if there is sufficient funding."

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South Korea and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding Dec. 18 on cooperation in the defense industry, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) here said. Signed by DAPA Commissioner Byun Moo-keun and his Egyptian counterpart Sayed Meshaal, minister of state for military production, the agreement calls for boosting cooperation between defense manufacturers in both countries in production and acquisition, according to the release. Both sides will also establish a defense cooperation committee to explore ways of meeting each other's defense needs, it said. "This MoU with Egypt is expected to serve as a springboard for South Korean firms to export its defense products to African nations," one DAPA official said. A potential export item for South Korea is the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer built by Samsung Techwin, the official said. "Egypt plans to equip its army with advanced self-propelled howitzers. The K9 Thunder would compete for the acquisition plan," he said. South Korea and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding Dec. 18 on cooperation in the defense industry, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

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The British Ministry of Defence is seeking a parachute-based delivery solution to insert Jackal light wheeled reconnaissance vehicle into Afghanistan's harsh terrain. The Main Stores Parachuting programme is intended to replace the ageing Medium Stressed Platform that currently meets only a "fraction" of existing requirements, an MoD spokesman told Jane's on 14 January. The MoD said the programme represented a "sizeable challenge" and confirmed that an invitation to tender has already been submitted to industry quoting a requirement for a high-altitude aerial delivery system capable of hitting drop zones of unspecified size.The British Ministry of Defence is seeking a parachute-based delivery solution to insert Jackal light wheeled reconnaissance vehicle into Afghanistan's harsh terrain.

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ST Kinetics today said that it will be fielding the world's first and longest in-service 155 mm 52 Calibre towed Howitzer, the FH 2000, in field trials next month. The company is hopeful that the stalled trial of the 155 mm calibre 39 Pegasus Lightweight Howitzer (LWH) will also recommence very shortly. ST Kinetics plans to address India's strategic needs and is fielding tailored solutions to meet the requirements of the modernisation programmes of the armed forces. These include the FH2000 155mm 52 Calibre Howitzer for the Towed Gun requirement and the Pegasus 155mm 39 Calibre Lightweight Howitzer for the Ultra Lightweight Howitzer program. ST Kinetics has also offered the SAR 21 Carbine with its proven reliability and performance. "We are ideal partners for the modernisation programs of the Indian armed forces. ST Kinetics' 155mm 52 Calibre Howitzer is the first to be fielded in the world. Our head-start in the development of the whole family of 155mm Howitzers has given us certain advantages in the design and development of a towed gun that could meet the Indian Army's total fire power needs. ST Kinetics believes our system is superior in many ways and it would prove itself during the field trials. The strongest credential for the FH 2000 is its long years in service, having been inducted in regular service as far back as 1993," said the Brig Gen Patrick Choy, Chief Marketing Officer. ST Kinetics has been designing and developing Howitzers for the last 30 years, including the FH 88, a 155mm Calibre 39 towed Howitzer, the FH 2000 155mm 52 Calibre Self Propelled Howitzer, the Pegasus Lightweight Self Propelled Howitzer and the Primus 155mm tracked Self Propelled Howitzer. ST Kinetics will continue to develop capabilities in artillery systems.ST Kinetics plans to address India's strategic needs and is fielding tailored solutions to meet the requirements of the modernisation programmes of the armed forces. These include the FH2000 155mm 52 Calibre and the Pegasus 155mm 39 Calibre Lightweight Howitzer.

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BAE Systems today unveiled its upgraded PIM (Paladin Integrated Management) vehicle to military customers, Congressional representatives, community leaders and employees at a ceremony held at its York facility. PIM is the next generation howitzer in the M-109 Paladin family of vehicles, a combat proven weapon system manufactured by BAE Systems at York. BAE Systems was awarded a $63.9 million contract in August 2009 to produce seven PIM vehicles: five Self Propelled Howitzers and two Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicles. Today's roll-out introduces the first of the seven vehicles awarded in that contract. "The modernization of the Paladin is a critical step in providing the Army with a sustainable and supportable fleet of upgraded vehicles," said Joe McCarthy, vice president and general manager of the Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) systems for BAE Systems. "The roll-out of our PIM system will ensure that the HBCT continues to have the premier Fire Support Platform needed to support the warfighter." BAE Systems unveiled its upgraded PIM (Paladin Integrated Management) vehicle to military customers, Congressional representatives, community leaders and employees at a ceremony held at its York facility.

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Oshkosh Corporation announced today that its Defense division received four awards valued at more than $89 million from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to supply parts for the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) and Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). Under two delivery orders with the DLA, Oshkosh will supply M-ATV spare parts, including engines, transmissions, transfer cases and alternators. Work under the orders is expected to be completed by October 2010. Under two other delivery orders with the DLA, Oshkosh will supply 2,400 axle assemblies for the HEMTT A2 and A4 models and more than 430 engines for the HET. Work under these orders is expected to be completed by December 2010. Oshkosh is providing the M-ATV’s spare parts to the DLA to be used as in-the-field replacements after the original vehicle parts have been consumed. These parts will ship without delay to maintain optimal readiness rates for existing vehicles in theater. To date, Oshkosh has received awards valued at more than $3.6 billion to deliver 6,619 M-ATVs, as well as spare kits and aftermarket in-theater support.Oshkosh Corporation announced today that its Defense division received four awards valued at more than $89 million from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to supply parts for the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) and Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT).

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Recently, the reporter learned from the symposium on “Retrospect and Prospect of Armored Equipment over the Past 50 Years” organized by a research institute of the General Armaments Department of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) that the PLA has established a complete system of armored equipment which can meet the demands of various battlefields. China has been among the most advanced nations in the world in its overall level of armored equipment. In the military parade in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China held in Beijing, 8 armored equipment formations of the third-generation main battle tanks, infantry combat vehicles, amphibious assault vehicles and parachute combat vehicles rumbled through the Tian’anmen Square, displaying the marvellous achievements obtained by the PLA in the development of armored equipment over the past 50 years as reflected in the evolution from copying and modifying imported equipment to independent research and development, from possessing a single-type of equipment to building up a system of armored equipment characterising the compound development of both mechanization and information. In recent years, the PLA has been accelerating the process of compound development of armored equipment in terms of both information and mechanization. Advanced electronic information technology is extensively applied in the new-type combat vehicles, which has notably uplifted the overall combat capability of the troops.PLA Chinese Army has established a complete system of armored equipment which can meet the demands of various battlefields. During the military parade at Beijing, in October 2009, new armoured vehicles were presented for the first time.

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The Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday plans to build up the Baltic Fleet were not connected to the deployment of U.S. missiles in Poland, refuting remarks by a Navy source. "Rumors about the possible strengthening of the surface, submarine and air components of the Baltic Fleet in response to the deployment of U.S. Patriot missiles in Poland near the Russian borders are false," a ministry spokesman said. Poland said on Wednesday it will deploy a battery of U.S. Patriot missiles to the town of Morag, just 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, rather than outside Warsaw. Earlier on Thursday a source in the Russian Navy, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told RIA Novosti that the Baltic Fleet would be reinforced with corvettes, submarines and aircraft armed with high-precision missiles following the Polish move. Poland's defense minister told journalists on Wednesday the location had been chosen for purely technical reasons, citing "good infrastructure," and said there was no political or strategic motivation. "In Morag we could offer the best conditions for American soldiers and the best technical base for the equipment," Bogdan Klich said. Moscow is irked by the planned deployment of the Patriots, which sees it as an unfriendly and unnecessary move. But the Russian Defense Ministry said its plans to modernize the Baltic fleet were part of a broader government program rather than a reaction to the U.S. missiles. Poland and the United States signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) last December laying out the conditions for the deployment of U.S. troops on Polish soil.The Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday plans to build up the Baltic Fleet were not connected to the deployment of U.S. Patriot missiles in Poland, refuting remarks by a Navy source.

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The first running prototype of the Supacat Protected Vehicle (SPV) 400 is officially revealed this 20 January 2010 by Supacat Ltd. The vehicle is currently being subjected to a detailed trials programme. The second SPV400 prototype is being completed at Supacat's Devon, UK, facility and will enter the trials programme towards the end January. Further development vehicles are scheduled to follow. The vehicle was subjected to blast testing in December 2009 where Supacat's design philosophy for highly mobile and lightweight protected vehicles was proven. The first running prototype of the Supacat Protected Vehicle (SPV) 400 is officially revealed this 20 January 2010 by Supacat Ltd. The vehicle is currently being subjected to a detailed trials programme.

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The Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) on December 31, 2009 awarded to EADS an order for the acquisition of a fourth “Harfang” drone and a third ground control station as part of the SIDM – Système Intérimaire de Drone MALE, or Interim Medium Altitude, Long Endurance (MALE) Drone System – program. This award, worth 33.7 million euros inclusive of tax, has been made under an urgent requirement procedure, following a requirement issued by the defence staff on July 3, 2009. These new equipments will complement the first three aerial vehicles and two ground control stations already in service with the Air Force. Delivered in the summer of 2010 to the Adour squadron, based in Cognac (Charente), the new aerial vehicle and ground control station will be used to train operators and will be used to contribute to aviation security arrangements put in place on national territory at national events (major sporting events, gathering information for disaster relief, etc ...). The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) on December 31, 2009 awarded to EADS an order for the acquisition of a fourth “Harfang” drone and a third ground control station as part of the SIDM.

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The commander of the military region of Siberia, the general Alexander Postnikov, was named commander-in-chief of the Army, to replace the general Vladimir Boldyrev, announced Wednesday the Russian Ministry of Defense. This last “was put at the retirement after having reached the age limit of its rank”, specifies the ministry. At the post of commander of the military region of Siberia, the Postnikov general was replaced by the general Vladimir Tchirkine. The general Alexandre Galkine was promoted ordering military region of the Caucasus of North.The commander of the military region of Siberia, the general Alexander Postnikov, was named commander-in-chief of the Army, to replace the general Vladimir Boldyrev, announced Wednesday the Russian Ministry of Defense.

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Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev and Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov inspect new armoured vehicles at the firing ground "Shot" in the Moscow region, January 14, 2010.Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev and Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov inspect new armoured vehicles at the firing ground "Shot" in the Moscow region.

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The Indian Army's multiple launch rocket system "Smerch" is displayed during the Army Day parade in New Delhi January 15, 2010. India on Friday celebrated the 62nd anniversary of the formation of its national army with soldiers from various regiments and artillery on display.The Indian Army's russian made multiple launch rocket system BM-30 "Smerch" is displayed during the Army Day parade in New Delhi January 15, 2010.

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Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has received orders totaling $119 million to supply JTRS-approved Falcon III AN/PRC-152 tactical handheld radio systems with vehicular amplifier adapters to the U.S. Department of Defense for use in Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) all-terrain vehicles (ATV). The AN/PRC-152 was selected to provide MRAP users with advanced multiband SINCGARS and Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) satellite communications interoperability.Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has received orders totaling $119 million to supply JTRS-approved Falcon III AN/PRC-152 tactical handheld radio system.

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The Australian Army has begun operating a leased Heron unmanned aircraft in Afghanistan. The first Australian-leased Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle has begun operations supporting Australian troops in Afghanistan. Under Project Nankeen, the Defence Material Organisation has signed a contract with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA) to provide Heron Unmanned Aerial System services which will deliver high resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability supporting ADF operations in Afghanistan. A small Royal Australian Air Force detachment has been preparing for the delivery of the Australian Heron, by working with the Canadian Heron detachment at Kandahar airfield, drawing on the Canadians’ operational knowledge, experience and facilities.The Australian Army has begun operating a leased Heron unmanned aircraft in Afghanistan. The first Australian-leased Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle has begun operations supporting Australian troops in Afghanistan..

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Oshkosh Corporation announced the 08 January 2010, that its Defense division has received two delivery orders valued at $31.5 million from Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) to install armor kits on 300 vehicles and manufacture more than 90 Oshkosh Corporation (MTVR) for the U.S. Marine Corps. Oshkosh Defense will supply the Marine Corps with primarily the cargo variant of the vehicle as well as a few tractors, wreckers and dump variants of the MTVR. Production at the company’s Oshkosh, Wis. facilities will be completed by September 2010. Installation of the MTVR armor kits will be finished at two of the company’s regional service centers in Jacksonville, N.C., and Oceanside, Calif.Oshkosh announced the 08 January 2010, that its Defense division has received two delivery orders valued at $31.5 million from Marine Corps Systems Command to install armor kits on 300 vehicles and manufacture more than 90 Oshkosh Corporation (MTVR) for the U.S. Marine Corps.

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GTD and Nexter Systems have signed a shareholder agreement under which a Spanish joint venture will be formed within the next few weeks. One of the main tasks of the new company will be to fulfil the contract for the Spanish "Vehiculo Blindado Ruedas 8x8" (VBR 8x8) programme to replace the existing BMR vehicle. Ibersystems de Defensa will be a Spanish limited liability company owned jointly by Nexter Systems and GTD. Based in Barcelona, it will develop the Spanish variants, undertake final assembly of the local version of the VBCI and manage a network of suppliers throughout Spain and Portugal. The first phase of the Spanish VBR 8x8 programme involves the acquisition of 300 vehicles at a cost in excess of €1 billion. This should be followed by a second acquisition phase. The first 300 vehicles will include 173 troop transports, 8 Command Posts and 119 cavalry fighting vehicles. The contract is due to be signed by the start of 2011 at the latest.GTD and Nexter Systems have signed a shareholder agreement under which a Spanish joint venture will be formed within the next few weeks. One of the main tasks of the new company will be to fulfil the contract for the Spanish "Vehiculo Blindado Ruedas 8x8" (VBR 8x8) program.

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