LONDON, July 8 (UPI) -- Two former British Royal Navy counter-mine ships operated by Estonia are to receive ongoing technical support and maintenance from Thales UK.
Thales UK reported it first began providing Estonia with technical and maintenance support for the mine counter-measures vessels (MCMVs) in 2006 and that the new contract will run until December 2016.
The first contract included the vessels' Sonar 2093 system, a variable-depth sonar system for the detection and classification of bottom and moored mines. Sonar 2093 is in service with the Royal Navy's Sandown-class MCMVs.
Thales UK did not disclose the monetary value of the new contract.
"We greatly value our relationship with the Estonian navy and the defense forces, and see this new contract as a key to providing their ships with the best and most cost-effective long term support that will enable them to meet their important national and NATO commitments," said Ed Lowe, head of Thales UK's naval business.
