Malaysia to acquire air defense system from Thales UK

LONDON, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Thales is to supply Malaysia's military with its integrated air defense system, ForceSHIELD, through a contract from Global Komited, a Weststar Group company.

The system is comprised of STARStreak missiles, CONTROLMaster 200 radar and weapon coordination systems, RAPIDRanger and RAPIDRover mobile weapon systems, launchers and communications systems.

"I am delighted that another country has decided to buy ForceSHIELD," said Victor Chavez, chief executive officer of Thales UK. "This latest-generation sensors to effectors solution will give Malaysia a world class, cutting edge capability."

Thales UK said the system's missiles and launcher systems are manufactured in Thales's facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the CONTROLMaster by Thales in France.

It did not disclose the award's monetary value but described it as a significant purchase that will increase jobs in Belfast and also add jobs and skills in Malaysia through a technology transfer program.

ForceSHIELD is based on the customization and combining of products -- radars, communications, engagement and fire control systems, launchers and missiles -- to meet user requirements and is suited for use against ground-attack aircraft, pop-up attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.

The contract for the system was signed earlier this week at the DSEI international defense exhibition in England.