Thales,
Thales considerably increases network capacity and becomes end-to-end logistics operator under new amendment to information and communication system services contract in Afghanistan.
Thales and the NATO Consultation, Command & Control Agency (NC3A) have signed a series of major amendments to the SATCOM & CIS services to support ISAF extension contract. Signed at NATO HQ in Brussels, these extensions to the initial contract call for Thales to significantly increase the capacity of the network to accommodate 50% more users. In addition, Thales will assume new responsibilities as end-to-end logistics operator. This project further demonstrates the company's ability to deliver innovative service solutions in response to the unique operational requirements of each customer.
Initiated in December 2006, the FOC+ contract calls for secure voice and data communication services to support the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) as it expands operations in Afghanistan. Thales is responsible for the provision, operation and maintenance of a complete network that will be progressively deployed to more than 64 points of presence (POPs) throughout the theatre of operations (ISAF HQ, regional centres, provincial reconstruction teams, etc.).
The recent amendments reflect the ability of stakeholders to take account of permanent changes in the operational environment in the theatre since the initial contract was signed. In response to these changes, Thales has demonstrated the highest levels of flexibility to provide the level of service required by users in the field. As the local situation continues to evolve, the number of users has now increased to more than 50% above the initial requirement.
In addition, Thales is responsible for additional cabling, installation of D-LOS links, new equipment rooms and coordination of civil engineering work on a local basis.
“More than ever before, the ability to provide logistics support and services for defence and security forces in the theatre is one of Thales's most important challenges,” says Laurent Maury, Vice President Customer Service & Support at Thales's Land & Joint Systems Division. “This contract illustrates one of the major trends among Western armed forces today: faced with stricter public spending policy, they must find new ways to pursue their missions within a more limited budgetary framework. By developing innovative services – as illustrated by the NATO project in Afghanistan – Thales can help its customers to adapt to this new environment and be more effective than ever, despite limited financial resources.”
End-to-end logistics management
In addition to network installation, management and maintenance, Thales is also responsible for the entire logistics chain, including transfer of all equipment for the in-theatre information and communication network, as specified in the ISAF FOC+ contract. The equipment is prepared at Thales's Cholet facility in France and transferred to more than 64 sites across Afghanistan.
In all, more than 350 shelters (20-foot ISO containers) containing approximately 2,000 tonnes of equipment have been shipped to date, 80% within the first five months. To meet these challenges, Thales conducts transport operations via land, air and sea, as well as a logistics platform in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
State-of-the-art technologies are used to track the containers throughout the shipping phase to final destination in order to ensure the highest levels of security and trust.
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 2007 revenues of EUR 12.3 billion.
