Norway Selects Sting Ray Mod 1 Anti-Submarine Torpedo

Released on Monday, February 23, 2009

WATERLOOVILLE, UK - The Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation has selected BAE Systems Sting Ray Mod 1 lightweight torpedo to meet the requirements of its Norwegian Antisubmarine Torpedo (NAT) programme. Sting Ray Mod 1 will arm the new Fridtjof Nansen class frigates and will be integrated with the new NH90 Anti Submarine Warfare helicopter and the Orion P3-C Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The £99 million contract, won in competition against other leading defence companies, marks the first export success for Sting Ray Mod 1.

Commenting on the success, Rory Fisher, Managing Director of BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies said "I am delighted that Norway has decided to select Sting Ray Mod 1, which is widely recognised as one of the world's most sophisticated lightweight torpedo weapon systems. We can now set about delivering our commitments in programme delivery and ensure we become the dependable partner of choice for our Norwegian customer."

In winning the competition, BAE Systems campaign manager for Sting Ray Mod 1, Bob Moran, acknowledged the support provided by UK customer partners, in particular the Torpedoes integrated project team within the Ministry of Defence procurement agency DE&S, and the UK Defence Storage and Distribution Agency based at Gosport, Hampshire.

"Across the team the support for Sting Ray Mod 1 has been outstanding. Our UK customer/industry partnership approach was responsible for establishing a logistic support and maintenance commitment to Norway which was a key factor in our success", Moran said.

The Sting Ray Mod 1 system is currently in production for the UK Ministry of Defence at BAE Systems facilities in Portsmouth and Waterlooville, Hampshire, under a Main Production Order placed in 2003.

Moran added: The Norway order will extend Sting Ray Mod 1 production until the end of 2012 and help safeguard up to 50 manufacturing and engineering jobs at BAE Systems over that time."