Action stations

has signed an agreement with

to sell Kongsberg's Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) in Australia.

The agreement will see BAE set up an RWS assembly, integration and test facility at its electro-optic base at Holden Hill in Adelaide.

The centre will deal with heavy grade repairs and calibration of RWS electro-optic sensors and precision mechanisms. RWS medium-grade repairs will be undertaken by BAE at the Albury Wodonga Military Area facility and other BAE sites.

Ian Sharp, director, land business unit at BAE Systems Australia, said: ‘Kongsberg’s stabilised RWS enables armoured vehicle crews to effectively engage threats while on the move or stationary and all the time protected under armour – a life-saving capability in high-threat deployments.

'Through this teaming, the Australian Defence Force will benefit from comprehensive, responsive and cost-effective local support for the Kongsberg RWS originally acquired under an Urgent Operational Requirement.’

Egil Haugsdal, executive vice-president at Kongsberg Protech Systems, added: ‘BAE Systems in the US is already a key supplier of uncooled thermal imaging sensors to our US CROWS II programme, and this agreement will take full advantage of BAE Systems Australia's comprehensive platform, systems and equipment through life-support capabilities.

‘Kongsberg will train BAE Systems in the sales, integration, operation, maintenance and support of our expanding range of RWS equipment to provide the necessary expertise and back-up in the Australian region. Additional opportunities will be available for BAE Systems to become part of the Kongsberg RWS global supply chain.’