BAE Systems Enters Strategic Partnering with SSMART and Signaal Hellas

Released on Friday, April 03, 2009

ATHENS Greece - BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies Limited today announced it has entered into a definitive Memorandum of understanding to establish a long term strategic partnership in support of the Hellenic defence forces acquisition and integration programmes with SSMART S.A and SIGNAAL HELLAS S.A., based in Mandra Attikis.

The strategic partnership supports BAE Systems' significant installed base with the Hellenic defence forces and long term commitment to providing the forces with advanced operational equipment and systems. To underpin the delivery of this strategy, BAE Systems, SSMART and SIGNAAL HELLAS will bring together proven capabilities from across their home markets and strengthen thereby local and immediate in-country support to the forces. SSMART specialise in hardware production and services primarily for sensors and naval applications and SIGNAAL HELLAS in software production for real time environments for the defence and civilian markets.

"This strategic partnership will provide BAE Systems with an excellent long term partner who demonstrates in-depth operational and systems expertise within the Hellenic defence market," said Les Gregory Strategy Director and Chief Technical Officer of BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies Limited. "The experience and strength of these impressive Greek owned and managed companies bring a welcome enhancement to our commitment to Greece."

Chairman and owner of SSMART S.A. and SIGNAAL HELLAS S.A. Charalambos Becatoros said "how warmly he welcomes the sealing of this strategic partnership with BAE Systems of the UK which will bring real benefits to our continuing long term commitment and support to the Hellenic defence forces".

SSMART S.A. and SIGNAAL HELLAS S.A., with over 8 years experience, are an independent, flexible and dynamic team, capable of offering products and services of the exceptionally high standards and specifications demanded by the Armed Forces and Defence Industries.

Each company is uniquely structured and focused in its area of expertise; SSMART in hardware production and services primarily for sensors and naval applications and SIGNAAL HELLAS S.A in software production for real time environments for the defence and civilian markets.

SSMART S.A.

� Production of custom interface units, cabinets and control and monitoring systems; e.g. Emergency Gun Control Units and C4I Simulators � The provision of hardware services such as overall system integration and program management, overhaul, modernisation, upgrade, and on board activities for a large variety of radars, electro-optic sensors, combat management systems and control and monitoring systems. � Full after sales support for defence systems and equipment.

SIGNAAL HELLAS provides complete software solutions, in the Real Time environment for the execution, operation and control of mission critical tasks and systems, undertaking all phases of production from the definition of specifications and requirements up to and including training and maintenance thus covering the complete "Life Cycle" of a product.

The companies are fully ISO 9001:2000 and AQAP 2110 certified by Lloyds and compliant with national and NATO security requirements for defence industries.

The companies operate in a state-of-the-art, purpose built 6,000 sq. m. facility, which accommodates a specialised flexible workshop of approximately of 2,500 sq. m., full surface treatment facilities including a unique closed-type 6x6x6 m. sand blasting area, as well as, software development and testing environments, including system simulation and training facilities.