Saab upgrading Thai carrier systems

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LINKOPING, Sweden, April 27 (UPI) -- Saab of Sweden is upgrading the command-and-control and communications systems of a Thai navy aircraft carrier.

Under the contract, worth about $26.7 million, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet will be outfitted with Saab's 9LV MK4 command-and-control system and data-link equipment for communications with the Thai air force's Swedish-made Gripen fighter aircraft and radar aboard a Saab-made early warning aircraft.

"Saab will further strengthen its position as supplier to the Royal Thai Navy through the upgrade of the command-and-control system on the Navy's flagship," said Gunilla Fransson, head of Saab's Security and Defense Solutions business area. "Saab is now on the navy's three major vessels and with links to the Royal Thai Air Force's Gripen and Erieye, capabilities and resources can used more efficiently."

Saab is the main contractor to the Thai navy and, as well as supplying its own systems, it procures third-party systems.

"This is the second 9LV Mk4 contract signed between the Royal Thai Navy and Saab," Fransson said. "It further strengthens Saab's position in the country, which we are proud of."

The contract will run through 2015.