PARIS, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Sagem of France reports it has been selected to upgrade the navigation and pointing systems of European self-propelled artillery.
The M270 MARS multiple launch rocket system to be upgraded is in service with the military forces of Germany, France and Italy.
Under the contract from Cassidian, an EADS company with headquarters in Germany, Sagem will supply its Sigma 30 navigation and pointing system, which is based on digital, laser gyro technology for improved precision firing and which is coupled with an anti-spoofing Global Positioning System receiver.
The upgrade schedule for the M270 MARS units wasn't detailed.
Sagem, a Safran Group company, offers laser-gyro guidance systems for artillery systems used by NATO forces, including the Caesar by Nexter Systems, BAE's Archer and 2R2M mortars by Thales.
The M270 MARS uses a tracked vehicle chassis platform. It can fire 12 rockets, or two army tactical missiles, in less than a minute.
