ECA : An over 30 M EUR contract- ECA Group to supply Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) to French Ministry of Armed Forces

An over 30 M€ contract- ECA Group to supply Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) to French Ministry of Armed Forces

CEFA, ECA Group & SCOPEX were awarded a major contract for SMINEX tender released by French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) for the technology qualification, supply & maintenance of complete EOD & C-IED Equipment Solution. This equipment is dedicated to search, detection, analysis & neutralization of IED (Improvised Explosives Devices) or UXO (UneXploded Ordnance).

The three partnering companies (see the press release) will supply the first ever-made “road, rail & air deployable shelter of EOD & C-IED equipment” so as to provide transportation platform & in-service maintenance workshop for the 3 French Armed Forces (Army, Navy & Air Forces) – as a unique, interoperable solution to be qualified by the DGA (French Defence Procurement Agency).

SMINEX* is the first project relative to EOD equipment (individual protection suits, handheld detectors, X-Ray systems, water cannon, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), etc.) with a global approach in an integrated system to provide a maximum efficiency and resilience during operations.

Within the scope of this contract, ECA Group will supply the French Armed Forces with ground robots UGV IGUANA E and provide its expertise in integrated robotic systems to develop and qualify the mobile operations centers in shelters. This new solution will allow the operators to have a complete and modular integration of IGUANA E robot into a wide range of vehicles – so as to meet various and specific needs.

In the framework of this contract for a total amount of over 30 M€, ECA Group received a firm order over a timeframe of 40 months and an amount of over 10 M€ for the outcome of which is the delivery of 15 UGV IGUANA E robots equipped to neutralize Improvised Explosive Devices. Then, according to his needs and until 2024, the customer can through additional purchase orders up to an amount over 20 M€, be provided with up to 43 complementary UGV IGUANA robots and related equipment and maintain them in operational conditions.

The bomb disposal ground robot IGUANA E provides a complete solution in order to face any unconventional situation. This new generation UGV integrates a large set of equipment and performs complex operations (such as cars or false ceilings inspection, opening of packages, munition collect, etc.). 

Moreover, the UGV IGUANA E integrates intelligent solutions helping the operator to prepare his mission and reach his target in the most simple and ergonomic way. With its automatic mode the UGV IGUANA E is able cross obstacles independently and to intervene in places hard to reach. Thus, this robot can, for example enter and inspect marine vessels, climb autonomously stairs or intervene inside an overhead locker in the plane.

This contract is the first significant sale of the UGV IGUANA developed by ECA Group during 2015 and 2016. At the forefront of innovation, these latest developments for the French Armed Forces are part of ECA Group's commitment to its customers and a proof of the reliability and efficiency of its solutions. These are designed for use in hostile, restrictive and demanding environments and ensure safe and precise operations with reliable and sustainable technologies.

In coming years, another set of significant tenders for this type of UGVs will be issued by several world's armies. This contract awarded by French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) is an important reference for ECA Group and its partners.

* SMINEX – Acquisition tender for Mobile Intervention Systems for EOD and NEDEX units.

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This press release could contain statements on past events and forward-looking statements including statements regarding future goals or targets. Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations for results and future events.

Such forward-looking statements and targets depend on known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those anticipated herein. All these risks and uncertainties could affect the Group's future ability to achieve its targets. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements and targets include, among other things: the risks and uncertainties mentioned in the press release; the strength of competition; the continuing growth of the market; currency fluctuations; interest rate fluctuations; raw material price fluctuations; armed conflicts or political instability; control of costs and expenses; changes in tax legislation, rules,
regulation or enforcement; our ability to successfully keep pace with technology changes; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and key personnel; the evolution, interpretation and uniform application and enforcement of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), according to which we prepare our financial statements; supply chain and manufacturing bottlenecks; the performance of our business partners (subcontractors, agents, suppliers, etc.).

Some of these risk factors are set forth and detailed in our Document de Référence (Registration Document including the annual financial report filed with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers). This list of risks, uncertainties and other factors is not limitative. Other non-anticipated, unknown or unforeseeable factors could also have material adverse effect on our targets. The Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements or targets potentially contained in this press release to reflect any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

ECA Group

Recognized for its expertise in robotics, automation systems, simulation and industrial processes, the ECA Group has been developing complete, innovative technological solutions for complex missions in hostile and confined environments since 1936. Its product offering is designed for an international client base that is demanding, both in terms of safety and effectiveness. The Group's main markets are in the defense, maritime, aeronautics, simulation, industrial and energy sectors.

In 2016, the Group reported revenue of €112.5 million across its three divisions: Robotics & Integrated Systems, Aeronautics and Simulation.

The ECA Group is a Groupe Gorgé company.

The ECA Group is listed on Euronext Paris Compartment C.

Indexes: SBF 250, CAC SMALL 90 and CAC IT- ISIN Code: FR0010099515

Ticker Code: ECASA - Bloomberg Code: ECASA:FP

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Source: Actusnews