BAE receives another Nulka contract

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EDINBURGH, Australia, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- BAE Systems Australia reports it has been contracted by the government for through-life support of the Nulka missile decoy system.

The award from Australia's Defense Materiel Organization is for six years initially and is valued at more than $20.1 million. The contract features options for an additional 18 years of support.

The Nulka, built through U.S.-Australian collaboration, is a rocket-propelled system to defense against incoming missiles and is used by the U.S. Navy, Australian navy and others. BAE Systems is a prime contractor for its development and integration aboard naval vessels.

Lockheed Martin of the United States is a subcontractor for its electronic payload, while Aerojet produces the rocket motor that propels the canister system.

"The TLS contract is a new way for both the DMO and BAE Systems to deliver the support service for Nulka with the ultimate aim of delivering a robust support structure or this critical ship defense system," said BAE Systems Australia's Chief Executive Officer David Allott.

"Having BAE Systems responsible for both production and support of Nulka presents many benefits for the customer."

Australia last year gave BAE Systems Australia a 13th contract to produce Nulka rounds for delivery to the Australian and U.S. navies.