A corporate alliance consisting of STN ATLAS Elektronik GmbH of Bremen (a subsidiary of Ratingen, Germany-based Rheinmetall DeTec AG), and the Spanish Company Indra EWS of Madrid has received an order from Spain's state-owned Santa Barbara Blindados (SBB), general contractor for the Spanish government's Leopard 2 tank programme.
The contract entails the delivery of 219 combat systems for the Leopard 2 MBT, each consisting of a fire control unit, panoramic periscope, tank-testing device and command system, as well as 16 command systems for armoured recovery vehicles. The order is part of a procurement programme for the Spanish Army.
In addition, Empresa Nationale Santa Barbara (ENSB) of Madrid and its co-operation partner Rheinmetall W&M GmbH of Ratingen have received an order from Santa Barbara Blindados worth more than DM 155 million.
This contract is for the supply of 219 L44/120 mm tank guns for the Leopard 2. ENSB will manufacture the guns under a licence granted by Rheinmetall W&M GmbH. Rheinmetall will furnish the necessary know-how and support ENSB with technical assistance and the supply of hardware worth DM 55 million.
In response to the Germany Army's decision to buy the new L55 barrel under its Combat Performance Upgrade Programme 1 for the Leopard 2 MBT, Spain is also opting for the new gun system.
