28 March 2006

DML awarded Phalanx major upgrade contract

Defence support specialist DML Group, the prime contractor for Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) support, has secured a substantial contract amendment to upgrade 16 Phalanx systems, valued at over £35 million. The contract amendment was signed by the UK Ministry of Defence (Maritime Gunnery and Missile Systems IPT) on 17 March 2006.

Under this significant amendment, which follows the 10 year Phalanx support contract awarded in December 2005, DML will upgrade in-service Phalanx system capability to enable Royal Navy ships to meet the ever-changing threat.

Phalanx is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20mm Gatling gun system. The Phalanx Block 1B upgrade contains a fully integrated radar/infrared surveillance and tracking sensor suite, which provides for automatic or manual acquisition and track of enemy threats.

DML Group chief executive Dr Dennis Gilbert welcomed the MoD decision to invest in the upgrade of Phalanx, saying: "The Block 1B upgrade is a major undertaking and will provide the Royal Navy with significantly improved capability, using its innovative support contract."

Under the Phalanx contract DML will undertake equipment procurement from US original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Raytheon, system upgrade and integration, and trials.

Work to upgrade the first of the 16 Phalanx systems commences autumn 2006, with first installation towards the end of 2007.