New Proven Weather Observation System for the Swedish Armed Forces

Swedish Defence, FMV has signed a contract with Telvent (Nasdaq: TLVT) for a new meteorological observation system, METOS, for the Swedish Armed Forces. 
 
The system will be used both in day-to-day applications and within the framework of Sweden’s new mission-oriented quick reaction forces both in Sweden and abroad. 
 
The system is an existing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product requiring only minor adaptation and integration with the existing system structure. The purpose of this acquisition is to replace the present weather observation system, now nearly 15 years old, with new hardware and software based on proven and safe technology. 
 
METOS will be used to gather sensor data, process it and distribute reports of current weather both within the Swedish Armed Forces and externally as part of the worldwide weather information network. The new system will be integrated with existing weather sensor and data collection systems within the Armed Forces. 
 
The first system will be installed at the Meteorological and Oceanographical Centre of the Swedish Armed Forces (METOCC) in Enköping towards the end of 2008. METOS weather stations will also be installed at some 20 locations in Sweden including the Swedish Air Force Wings and Air Bases. The new system will also be included as part of the Swedish Armed Forces’ transportable airfield units and will be fitted on board the Visby Class corvettes. 
 
Similar systems have been supplied to both the civil and the military weather services in the Netherlands. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) uses the same supplier for its central system for gathering meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic observations and its system is based on the same product. Telvent also supplies the Swiss weather observation system as well as systems for both civil and military air traffic control services in Belgium. 
 
The Swedish Armed Forces see considerable advantages in their weather services using a system which is already in use by others in the same or similar fields. By using a system based on internationally known and accepted standards and regulations, the Swedish Armed Forces’ interoperability with the outside world will be enhanced.