ADI Limited (Australia) has been awarded the contract to supply the main gun systems for the New Zealand Ministry of Defence’s Project Protector program by the lead contractor, Tenix Defence Pty Ltd.
The systems are the MSI DS25M designed by MSI-Defence Systems, UK. This modern modular design enables a smaller calibre gun system to be configured in virtually any format to meet the full spectrum of potential naval configurations, from manned, with basic sighting, to full autonomous control by a ship’s systems or control at a remote station.
The systems for the Protector vessels will incorporate the ATK 25mm M242 Bushmaster cannon, common to the NZ Army’s light armoured vehicles, giving the navy commonality of ammunition and cannon training and support.
“ADI has chosen to continue collaborating with MSI to offer new supply and through life support for the MSI modular gun systems. Previously we produced six 30mm MSI gun systems for the Royal Australian Navy's Huon Class minehunters,” said Mr Lucio Di Bartolomeo, ADI’s managing director.
“ADI considers the MSI modular gun system as the best in the market. It is extremely well designed, very robust, while maintaining a lightweight footprint.
“Its marinisation is excellent. This is critical in achieving reliability and low through life costs. This has resulted in a system capable of withstanding the pounding from heavy seas and green water exposure while then continuing to deliver the best reliability and availability of the systems currently available in the market.”
MSI has well over a hundred units in service with a range of navies.
Tenix was awarded the Protector Project in July 2004 after an extensive competition involving over 25 shipbuilders worldwide. The Protector fleet will comprise one multi role vessel, two offshore patrol vessels and four inshore patrol vessels to be progressively delivered in 2006 and 2007. The MSI gun systems will be installed on the MRV and the two offshore patrol vessels. Tenix tendered the MSI gun in its baseline offer to the MoD and has been negotiating with ADI to conclude these contractual arrangements now in place.
ADI Limited is a major supplier to the Australian and New Zealand Navy and Army of small arms and medium and large calibre guns systems. It provides logistic support for the majority of the ADF’s gun systems. ADI is also the primary supplier of munitions to the ADF. It constructs and maintains naval ships; designs and integrates combat systems, aviation mission systems and naval communications equipment; designs and manufactures high mobility and protected military and emergency response vehicles.
MSI-Defence Systems is a major company within the UK based MS International Group with its head office and manufacturing facility in Norwich, UK and an important support establishment in Weymouth, UK. It plays a leading role in the design, development and supply of naval systems unrivalled in reliability, flexibility and performance.
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ADI Contracted to Supply MSI Gun Systems for Project Protector
