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Gold Coast-based Laserdyne has been awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to supply its laser rangefinder to Thales Netherlands. The contract was made out under the global supply chain program.
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The equipment is integrated into two of Thales NL's key products:
- the MIRADOR Mk2, a lightweight, compact electro-optical multi-sensor system used for surveillance, tracking and fire control operations; and
- the STIR 1.2 EO Mk2, a medium-to-long range illumination and tracking system.
Both systems are designed for use on a wide range of platforms, from small patrol craft to large carriers. These products act as an observation system and fire control director for optical investigation, as well as anti-surface and anti-air warfare. The MIRADOR system has been sold to 10 navies, generating substantial demand for Laserdyne’s laser rangefinders.
Laserdyne’s reliable, eye-safe rangefinder was also a key part of a recent upgrade program for the MIRADOR system, which has significantly enhanced the digital sensor suite. The company has been supplying products to Thales Netherlands since 2012 and, in total, has now provided over 100 units of their advanced digital laser.
Thales claims a strong record of supporting innovative, high-tech Australian businesses – with over 80 per cent of the contracts awarded by Thales through the global supply chain program over the past five years for high-value work.
Laserdyne chief executive Tim White said, "We are proud of the long-term and continuing supply of sophisticated EO products to a such a prestigious client as Thales. Our quest to grow the business we conduct across the Thales group has been enhanced by the activities and insights afforded by the Thales GSC team, with new opportunities continuing to arise in Europe and globally.”
According to Thales' Jan Jaap Mook, "The Mirador Mk2 and STIR 1.2 Mk2 systems are state-of-the-art technical solutions which have had incredible success with navies worldwide. We are proud to include the laser sensor from Laserdyne in these systems."
Eight multinational defence companies, or ‘primes’, participate in the global supply chain (GSC) program: BAE Systems, Boeing, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Rheinmetall and Thales. They identify opportunities for Australian companies within their international supply chains. Last year for example, Thales and Adelaide's Micro-X signed a $10 million agreement to invest in the development of ultra-miniature x-ray systems.
Since 2007, the participating GSC contractors have awarded over $1 billion of work to Australian businesses, most of them small-to-medium enterprises.
You can find more information about the program or apply for advisory services here:
https://www.business.gov.au/CDIC/Export-in-defence/Connect-with-global-supply-chains
