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Madrid, Spain - Apr 7, 2009 - Group Engineering gtd, has signed an agreement of collaboration with NEXTER Systems (former GIAT INDUSTRIES) for the joint development of future 8 x 8 armoured vehicle that will equip Spanish Armed Forces with the levels of protection and operational capability required to meet the missions of the 21st century.

On its strategy of growing in defence activity, gtd joins NEXTER Systems to promote a vehicle based on the VBCI response to the technical requirements of the VBR platform 8 x 8 that will replace, from 2012, to the current featured in operations area BMR.

The vehicle, which will be integrated in Barcelona, will serve as basis for building a solid industrial infrastructure that will group an important part of Spain's existing capability. This infrastructure will ensure future sustainability of the vehicle on Spanish Armed Forces, the manufacture of vehicles intended for Spain (and potentially to other countries) and joint development engineering of the future technology to incorporate (as active armouring, hybrid propulsion...).

On the range of 8 x 8 armoured vehicles, VBCI presents, nowadays, the best balance between capability, mobility, protection and sustainability. This vehicle can carry 11 soldiers, including the crew, with its combat appropriations and can integrate various weapons, communications, sensors and electronic warfare systems.

High levels of protection incorporated in the VBCI safeguard the integrity of the troops against all current threats (rockets, mines, IEDs...) found in new areas of operations. Its modular design allows the quickly adaptation to the evolution of threats, incorporating the most advanced technologies protection.

The use of COTS and MOTS components, its simplicity of design and the reduced number of tools required for maintenance, minimize the VBCI life cycle cost.

VBCI, on service in the French Armed Forces, is ready to start its deployment in the same theatres of operations where Spanish Armed Forces work in the present day, with a portfolio of about 298 vehicles, more than 40 delivered on 2008.

The vocation of NEXTER Systems is complying with the French and foreign armies requirements. Their industry covers armoured weapons systems, weapons systems and ammunition from the design of products until the logistical support operations. The agreements cooperation with BAE Systems Bofors , Renault Trucks Defense , EADS , Thales or Sagem DS , including the subsidiary CTAI with BAE Systems, demonstrate the will of NEXTER Systems of build synergies between its own powers and its present partners in other technologies or other markets. NEXTER Systems products are today present in more than 100 countries. With a volume 579 billing million euros, NEXTER Systems has 11 sites in France and employs some 2,700 people.

GTD has over 22 years developing systems and products for sectors aerospace and defence. With over 300 engineers, the Group displays firm in its growth, stating a very comfortable commercial portfolio and an excellent technological level.

 

Company Center: GTD Ingenieria de Sistemas y de Software