Meopta starts Large contract for defense industry
Meopta, a Czech manufacturer of precision optics, will provide the entire production and testing of the complete UTAAS system, SAABs' unique fire control technology for CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) for the armies of the Slovakia, Czech Republic, Sweden and Denmark.
Meopta signes a number of contracts until 2030 with defence and security company SAAB to supply more than five hundred Sight Systems assemblies totally. The subcontract covers the production of key components for the UTAAS Fire Control System, in which Meopta and Saab are subcontractors to BAE Systems.
Meopta´s Chief Commercial Officer Rudolf Kodytek says : "In the past, Meopta has supplied to the Army, for example, the ZN4 Lynx night vision sight (a stand-alone night vision sight with a deliberate warp), the NV-Mag 3A night vision ambush sight (an additional night vision scope behind the collimator with 3x magnification) for assault rifles, the ZD 5x40 day sight with ZD-RD/A backup collimator for light machine guns and the CDND-1 combined day/night driver sight for Pandur combat vehicles. " The UTAAS sight system contract is a logical continuation of the Army's cooperation.
"The Universal Tank and Anti-Aircraft System (UTAAS), a Fire Control System developed by Saab and manufactured by Meopta, is designed for the adaptable state-of-the-art CV90, an infantry fighting vehicle that has long been proven in live combat deployments." Kodytek adds.
The modular integrated UTAAS technology offers a high hith probability whilst on -the-move firing, one of its core operational functions. This allows the gunner in the CV90 to aim independently of vehicle movement, while the fire control system automatically align the gun for an high hit performance. In a combat situation, this means it can fire faster than with conventional targeting technology. This gives the CV90 an important tactical advantage. Meopta's participation in BAE Systems' CV90 programme may also lead to further business opportunities for the Czech Army.
This is a significant contract not only for Meopta, but is of strategic importance for the entire Czech arms industry. We are also very pleased with this contract because we see the growth potential of the defence industry and as a traditional manufacturer of military sports optics we are very keen to participate in this prestigious project with other top companies. This is a five-year contract that gives us some stability in the defence segment and creates the opportunity for further development. This contract is worth several hundred million Czech crowns per year. Comments Jan Vymazal, CEO of Meopta
