On 23 October 2012, Norwegian Defense Logistics Organisation has signed a contract with DCNS in the presence of Geir Kilhus, chief of NDLO naval systems and Pierre Legros, SVP Surface Ships & Naval Systems. This agreement covers follow on technical support for the Senit 2000 Combat Management System (CMS) installed onboard the six Royal Norwegian Navy’s Skjold Fast Patrol Boats (FPBs).
This contract includes activities for through life support, maintenance and further development of the CMS. The agreement will run over a 4 years period. Under this contract DCNS is committed on high levels of expertise. The Group will also provide a strong technical support.
Commodore Geir Kilhus chief of NDLO naval systems said: ”NDLO is extremely pleased to sign this support-contract which will form the basis for supporting the CMS on the Skjold Class Corvettes. The contract is of outmost importance for NDLO’s management of the corvettes in the years to come. The project has been very complex and technologically challenging for all parties involved. NDLO is looking forward to partnering with DCNS in the upkeep of the Skjold- class in to the future. The scope of this 4-year contract is the frontrunner for lifetime support of the Skjold-class weapon-system.”
Pierre Legros, SVP Surface Ships & Naval Systems , DCNS said: “We’re delighted that the NDLO trusts our expertise under this major programme. Our aim is to continue to provide state-of-the-art service for the Royal Norwegian Navy. DCNS possesses all the expertise, industrial means and tools to provide through life support of the system (maintenance, obsolescence management, technical facts recording and analysis…). This latest success is a further demonstration of DCNS’ industrial vigour and vitality. ”
The Skjold program is led by a consortium comprising DCNS and two Norwegian contractors with DCNS acting as the combat system design authority and co-supplier. The six Skjold Corvettes are designed specifically for maritime security and safety missions in Norway’s littoral waters. The combat management system Senit 2000 is tailored to demanding environments and a reduced crew. The communications and sensor suites are fully compatible with active participation in international and NATO-led operations. This system is a multi role integrated combat system using 21st century technologies to match the 21st century operational requirements. The contract for this new capability has been awarded by NDLO (Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation) to the Skjold Prime Consortium.
With a length of around 50 meters, Skjold-class Corvettes are heavily armed for their size. The combat system features eight anti-ship missiles and a 76-mm gun that can engage several targets at once at ranges exceeding 12 kilometers.
First-of-class P961-Storm was handed over on 9 September 2010, second-of-class P962-Skudd on 28 October 2010, third-of-class P963-Steil on 30 June 2011 and fourth-of-class P964-Glimt on On March 29th 2012. The next-of-class will delivered in a few days and the last-of-the class will be delivered by 2013.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, October 24, 2012; Image: DCNS