New Zealand Army selects Thales for multi-year Small Arms Ammunition supply

Thales is Australia’s leading supplier of munitions, propellants, ordnance and related logistics to the Australian Defence Force, with many years’ experience in high quality manufacturing and product innovation.

Chris Jenkins, Chairman of Thales New Zealand, said the agreement represented a long term commitment to working with the New Zealand Army.

“This is a great example of trans-Tasman benefits flowing from a world-class manufacturing capability developed in Australia, and reflects the commitment towards greater Anzac cooperation,” Mr Jenkins said.

Ian Irving, Vice President of Thales’s Land & Joint Systems activities in Australia, said: “Thales Australia is proud to be selected for the supply of superior Small Arms Ammunition to the New Zealand Army.”

"The proximity of New Zealand to Australia enables a close relationship with the customer. We can offer New Zealand the shortest and most efficient supply line for urgent requirements, and provide rapid responses to technical enquiries.

"The ammunition is optimised for superior performance in the weapons systems used by the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces, and is proven to deliver superior reliability and consistency in harsh climates. There is also the additional advantage of interoperability between New Zealand and Australian forces in future joint exercises and operations.

“Securing this significant export contract is a very good outcome not only for New Zealand, but also for our ordnance business, which supports hundreds of skilled jobs in regional areas.”

The multi-year contract will see Thales supply various types of Small Arms Ammunition to the New Zealand Army from the company’s Benalla facility in Victoria. The propellant for the ammunition, known for its superior ballistic performance at extreme temperatures, will be supplied from Thales’s operation in Mulwala, NSW.

About Thales

Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace and Space, Defence, Security and Transportation markets. In 2008, the company generated revenues of 12.7 billion euros (equivalent of AUD22.1 billion) with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners.

Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management to security systems and services. Employing around 3,500 people in over 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of more than AUD1 billion in 2008.