Grintek signs agreement with Thomson - CSF

Grintek Electronics Systems, a division of Grintek, has signed a partnering agreement with Thomson-CSF Communications on Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communications technology. The exclusive agreement enables Grintek to use Thomson`s advanced military ATM tactical systems in developing and building communication networks for the SANDF. The strategic partnership is expected to bring synergy by combining Thomson`s leading edge technology with Grintek`s experience and expertise in developing and supplying communication systems to the local defence forces.

An ATM tactical network is used to establish and maintain communications with fixed and mobile field forces at all times and under all conditions. All types of information likely to be used in remotely deployed bases (voice, facsimile, data and video) can be conveyed with very high degrees of reliability and security.

Thomson-CSF Communications, a fully owned subsidiary of Thomson-CSF is Europe`s largest supplier of military communication systems and ranks among the largest in the world. It designs equipment for land, air and naval forces deployed at home or in remote theatres of operation. The company has been prime contractor for most of France`s major military networks, and in partnership with GTE produced the tactical communication system (called the MSE) fielded by the entire US Army. Recently, Thomson-CSF Communications and Racal Radio were awarded a contract to provide the British Army with the next generation Local Area Sub-system (LAS) for the Ministry of Defence`s Bowman communications programme.