Belgium Selects the PIRANHA III for its Armoured Infantry Vehicle

Mowag AG, BRUSSELS, Belgium: On January 27, 2006 the Belgian Government announced that the MOWAG Piranha IIIC had been selected from five candidates for the delivery of up to 242 vehicles and related logistics support, with a total contract value of over EUR 500 million, for the Belgian Army's Armoured Infantry Vehicle Program. 
 
This sales success in Belgium represents the largest single order ever awarded from a European NATO member in the history of the Swiss technology-based company. Deliveries will commence in 2007 and will extend to 2015 for the total quantity including options. 
 
In July 2005 the Belgian Ministry of Defence had announced the procurement Program for new Armoured Infantry Vehicle (AIV). This Program sets a corner stone to transform the Belgian Army into a lighter, more deployable, lethal, survivable, and sustainable force. Key requirements for the AIV included on- and off road mobility, crew comfort and safety, vehicle versatility, a high level of protection for the vehicle crews against mines and ballistic weapons, and integration of various weapon stations-, electronic warning and communication systems. 
 
With the worldwide operating Piranha IIIC 8×8, the technology-based company from Kreuzlingen, Switzerland offers a proven product, which fulfils this high-ranking requirement of protection, mobility, and mission flexibility. 
 
Main vehicle sub-systems include the CMI 90mm Turret, the ELBIT 30mm Overhead Weapon Station, the FN Herstal ARROWS 12,7mm Overhead Weapon Station, all with OIP electro-optical aiming Systems, the THALES Belgium Communication System, Threat detection Systems for Lasers and Small Arms (OIP) and the Pearson Surface Mine Plough and Dozer Blade. 
 
A main focus was paid by MOWAG to offer a product with high commonality and compatibility within the AIV fleet itself, other vehicles of the Belgium Army and NATO countries. Piranha III 8×8 vehicles are in series production since 1997 and continuously developed to include the most modern technology available on the market. 
 
A vast number of specific vehicle variants based on the Piranha III 8×8 have already been built for various customers including NATO and European Countries USA, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland including the variants specified by the Belgium customer thus giving the Piranha solution offered a very high production readiness. 
 
The 242 Piranha IIIC 8×8 will be delivered in seven variants to solve specific operational tasks: APC, C30 , Direct Fire Capability, Command Post, Engineering, Ambulance and Recovery. 
 
MOWAG's CEO, Simon Honess stated: