General Dynamics [GD] United Kingdom Limited has been awarded a 10-month, approximately $2 million contract for the Assessment Phase of the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s LISTENER program.
LISTENER is a pioneering program with the goal of joining a number of U.K. intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) systems with coalition partners who can fuse sensor data to create rapid and actionable intelligence for commanders.
The LISTENER Assessment Phase focuses on system solution definition and risk reduction activities for Main Gate approval in 2009.
General Dynamics UK’s Mission Systems business is the prime contractor and a principal provider of ISTAR systems, the company said in an Oct. 26 statement. The firm will evaluate a number of technology options as part of its efforts to identify the optimal solution for U.K. Armed Forces.
The selection of General Dynamics UK highlights its key strengths in systems integration and tactical datalinking in both the land and air domains. General Dynamics is experienced in complex systems integration resulting in the successful delivery of the U.K.’s Bowman tactical communications and data system.
General Dynamics UK leads a team which includes partner companies European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS) DS UK, SCS Ltd, VEGA Group PLC, Marshall Solutions and General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. The team brings unrivalled expertise in networking and interoperability in the complex military environment, the company said.
General Dynamics UK Limited President and Managing Director Sandy Wilson said, “This is a crucial element in the future of U.K. Network Enabled Capability, as we work to bring systems together to offer rapid information to the intelligence community, enhance military operations and provide our Armed Forces with greater capability.”