Defence Firms Sign MoU to Develop European Maritime Security

Finmeccanica, NICE, France: Finmeccanica and Thales have decided to join efforts in order to propose, develop and implement a multi-user and integrated Maritime Safety & Security (MSS) project for European maritime areas in the framework of a common initiative called SEASAME. 
 
This joint initiative covers the environmental, safety and security domains bringing a global and multi-disciplinary response to the European Maritime Management. It offers perspectives and solutions for an optimized development of maritime activities, like sea transport, respectful of environmental matters. 
 
In coherence with the Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union adopted on October 10, 2007, by the European Commission, SEASAME aims at federating and coordinating the objectives of all stakeholders such as European Institutional Agencies (EMSA, Frontex, EDA …), national actors (Naval Forces, Coast Guards…), as well as private companies. 
 
To this end, Finmeccanica and Thales have signed today a Memorandum of Understanding in order to define the business scope and the principles which shall govern their co-operation. 
 
Both Finmeccanica and Thales are presently active in common various Research and Development projects led by the European Commission in the field of Maritime Safety and Security. 
 
Through this agreement, Finmeccanica and Thales will create a strong and innovative cooperation for the European Maritime Safety and Security market. In particular, such Franco-Italian initiative will allow swift responses to short-term critical issues through pilot projects in the Mediterranean and Black Sea theatres. 
 
The joint SEASAME initiative could be open in due time to other European players in the domain.  
 
Finmeccanica is Italy’s leading high-tech company, operating in the design and manufacture of helicopters, defence electronics, civil and military aircraft, aerostructures, satellites, space infrastructures, missiles. It employs over 59,000 staff in total of which approximately 9,000 in UK, 3,500 in France and 1,600 in US. As part of its drive to maintain and build on its technological expertise, Finmeccanica spends 14% of its revenues on Research and Development. 
 
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, addressing defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide. Thales’s leading-edge technology is supported by 22 000 R&D engineers who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical information systems. Thales employs 68 000 people in 50 countries with forecast 2007 revenues in excess of EUR 12 billion.