DULLES, Va., May 3 (UPI) -- Ground-penetrating radar used to detect mines and improvised explosive devices are being supplied to the U.S. Army by NIITEK Inc. of Virginia.
NIITEK, a subsidiary of the Chemring Group PLC, is the sole recipient of the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity award that has a maximum value of $579 million and an initial order of $161 million.
The ground-penetrating radars are used on Husky Mounted Detection System vehicles, which are being used in Afghanistan.
"NIITEK has had the privilege of supporting the route clearance mission over the past four years and this contract ensures we will keep providing this capability to the war fighter," said NIITEK President Juan Navarro.
"NIITEK's fleet of HMDS systems is the largest deployed and operational GPR systems in the world designed to locate buried hazards."
In addition to providing the systems to the U.S. Army, the contract covers the U.S. Marine Corps and Foreign Military Sales customers.
"We are delighted to have been chosen by the U.S. Army to continue to supply HMDS sustainment into the future," Chemring Chief Executive Officer David Price said.
"This award confirms our customer's continued confidence in the HMDS system's effectiveness and our proven track record for developing superior and market leading detection solutions. The HMDS continues to contribute to the safety of U.S. and coalition forces, and this contract will ensure operational availability of these critical systems."
