Ultra Electronics announces that its Electrics business, based in Cheltenham, UK, has been awarded a contract by CTA International (CTAI) relating to electronic controls for the next-generation cannon for the upgraded Warrior and the new FRES SV armoured vehicles. The initial contract is valued at £1.5 million with the value rising to £14 million if all production options are taken up.

CTAI, based in Bourges, France, is a joint venture between BAE Systems, UK and Nexter, France. It has developed a unique Cased Telescope Ammunition System (CTAS) which, through innovative packaging design, allows more ammunition and therefore firepower to be carried by each armoured vehicle. The CTAS cannon, with its CTAS Controller (CTAS-C) has been selected by the UK MoD for the upgrade of existing Warrior armoured vehicles and for fitting to the planned new Future Rapid Effects System, Scout Vehicle (FRES SV) vehicles. Ultra's production options for CTAS-Cs include 449 for Warrior and 250 for FRES SV.

The CTAS cannon can fire a mixed sequence of armoured-piercing, high-explosive and air burst munitions and is capable of a fire rate of 180 rounds per minute which will significantly enhance the fighting capability of British Army forces.

Douglas Caster, Chief Executive commented, "I am very pleased that Ultra has been confirmed as the supplier of this important element of the Warrior upgrade and FRES programmes. This award broadens the range of Ultra's innovative, advanced electronic solutions for modern armoured vehicles. Ultra is also bidding to to supply further elements of the new electronic systems for the Warrior upgrade programme."

About Ultra Electronics

Ultra Electronics is an internationally successful defence and aerospace company with a long, consistent track record of development and growth. Ultra businesses constantly innovate to create solutions to customer requirements that are different from and better than those of the Group's competitors. The Group has over one hundred distinct market or technology niches within its twenty four businesses. The diversity of niches enables Ultra to contribute to a large number of defence, aerospace and civil platforms and programmes and provides resilience to the Group's financial performance. For more information, visit www.ultra-electronics.com.

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