Cobham secures Middle East deal to supply communications systems

FTSE 250 defence group Cobham COB this morning reported that it will provide its military Vehicle Intercom System and Eagle Close Combat Radio to an undisclosed Middle East customer through two contracts totalling US$21 million (£13.2 million).

Integrating the Eagle Close Combat Radio with the Vehicle Intercoms allows dismounted soldiers to communicate with vehicle crews and remotely access the Combat Net Radio system. The Eagle Radio is designed as a short range squad radio and as a wireless link to a Vehicle Intercom System. Cobham said Eagle was selected for its ease of use, full duplex ad-hoc networking capability, security features and remote access to man-pack and vehicle mounted Combat Net Radios. Cobham's Intercom System is the compact version of the well established ROVIS range, designed for use on vehicles where space is at a premium. Cobham has supplied more than 55,000 compact systems around the world and more than 125,000 intercoms of all types.

Cobham Defence Communications vice president, Steve Collier, said: “Our ROVIS Intercom Systems offer a capable and cost effective intercom solution. We've been expecting these orders for some time, so we can now concentrate on delivery.”

In 2010 the US Army selected Cobham's new TacG2 system for its $2.4 billion Vehicle Intercom System Extended (VIS-X) programme. The TacG2 is a modular, scalable system which may be extended to provide a wider and more advanced communications network. The Cobham share price closed last night at 219p.

Last week, Cobham acquired Telerob GmbH, a privately-owned German-based manufacturer of advanced bomb disposal robots and threat response vehicles for €78 million (£67 million). Telerob manufactures medium and heavy-weight Explosive Ordnance Device (EOD) robots and response vehicles designed to deal with nuclear, biological and chemical threats primarily for homeland security markets. The company has more than 700 systems in 55 countries, with many systems in operation in Asia and the Middle East where it has established itself as a market leader.

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