ales Canada awarded Optronics contract for Upgraded LAV III vehicles

11 February 2013

Montreal, February 11, 2013 --Thales Canada announced today that it has been awarded a significant subcontract from General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada for thedelivery of uncooled optronics technology to be applied to 409 modernized Canadian Army LAV III combat vehicles.GeneralDynamicsLand Systems Canada is the prime contractor to the Canadian Army for a comprehensive upgrade package modernizing these effective vehicles.

We are very pleased to be part of the LAV III upgrade team. Including Thales' world-leading optronics technology will enhance the LAV III fleet's survivability, operational capability and long-term performance. Our uncooled optronics technology is second to none, as well as being combat proven by both Canadian and other NATO allies, said Mark Halinaty, Vice President and Managing Director, Thales Canada, Defence and Security. This technology is a perfect example of domestic innovation and investment in Canada's high-value defence sector. By securing this kind of business at home, it allows us to continue to invest in new product development and secure our competitive advantage and export opportunities.

Thales' Canadian-developed thermal imaging and vision enhancement solutions have been preferred solutions of the Canadian Army since the mid 90s. The equipment is also used by NATO and allied forces to improve their operational capabilities at night or in adverse weather and obscured battlefield conditions. Our exports are provided as individual products to foreign defence forces, or through our business line partners as local situational awareness systems or sub systems to their own system offerings.

Today's announcement follows Department of Defence contracts to Thales in 2007 and 2010 for the supply of over 1100 units of Driver Vision Enhancement equipment, and equipping 550 vehicles with Crew Vision Enhancement equipment. The contract with General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada further emphasizes Thales' leading supplier position in this important segment.

About Thales

Thales is a global technology leader for the Defence & Security and the Aerospace & Transport

markets. In 2011, the company generated revenues of 13 billion with 67,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 22,500 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners. www.thalesgroup.com

Thales Canada has 1,300 employees in Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver working in Transportation, Defence & Security, and Aerospace. Sales across Thales operations in Canada were $500 million (CAD) for 2011 to a range of customers including urban rail service providers, civil aviation companies, and military and security agencies.

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For further information please contact:

Conrad Bellehumeur, Vice President External Relations

613 723-7000 ext 4237021

Conrad.Bellehumeur@ca.thalesgroup.com

LINK:	http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/Countries/Canada/2013/Thales...
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