ADEX 2013: Selex builds on Lynx Wildcat work for further South Korean opportunities
Selex ES expects its work on the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) AgustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopter procurement programme to open up more co-operative opportunities in South Korea and the wider Asia-Pacific region, IHS Jane's was told on 29 October.
Speaking at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (ADEX) in South Korea, Derrick Cox, regional marketing and sales for Korea, said the company's work in support of the AW159s electronic warfare (EW) systems should stand it in good stead when it comes to securing work on future programmes.
"The selection of the AW159 [by the RoKN] was very important for us," said Cox. "[Selex ES supplies] the SeaSpray E-Scan radar, the HIDAS 15 defensive aids suite, and the high-fidelity flight control computer. As part of our offsets requirement we will provide operational support and training to the Korean user for EW. You can't get onto other programmes just as a sensor supplier, you have to take a collaborative approach."
According to Cox, the programmes that might suit Selex ES include the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)-Eurocopter Surion medium-lift helicopter, the Light Armed Helicopter, and the KFX future fighter.
As well as opening up opportunities in South Korea, this collaborative work could prove lucrative for Selex ES in the wider region, Cox noted, saying: "Korea is looking to export its military products and, as the [KAI] FA-50 [Fighting Eagle] sale to the Philippines shows, this could open up the wider region for us."
Source: http://www.janes.com/article/29016/adex ... ortunities
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