German firm inks deal with RBTS for Land Forces modernisation
RHEINMETALL Defence, a German manufacturer of military land systems, yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Royal Brunei Technical Services for cooperation in the modernisation of the Royal Brunei Land Forces.
“Rheinmetall recognises that Brunei plays an important role in security and defence activities in the area,” said Managing Director Harald Westermann.
He added that it was important for the company to establish long term relationships with the sultanate and RBTS.
This is the first MoU signed by Rheinmetall with RBTS, the company said in a statement.
“We feel that Rheinmetall has a full spectrum of land systems that can provide for all the needs for the Brunei Land Forces,” said Westermann, noting that they range from four- to five-tonne track vehicles to main battle tanks.
The company also offers the WIESEL, a family of light tracked vehicles said to be capable of operating in all types of terrain, including swamps and jungles as well as small villages.
Westermann said that the company believes in a long-term commitment, which also covers technical services, spare parts and possible technology transfer.
The signing took place yesterday at the BRIDEX Exhibition Hall Two, and was witnessed by the German Ambassador to Brunei Roland Grafe.
It was signed by Westermann for Rheinmetall and by the RBTS Managing Director Hjh Rosmawati Hj Manaf.
“Rheinmetall is an important stakeholder for our clients, the Ministry of Defence. They are leading producers of land systems that have a lot of potential, such as the WIESEL,” hjh Rosmawati said.
She said that the MoU means that if the Ministry of Defence procures land systems from Rheinmetall, RBTS will be able to provide support, such as maintenance and spare parts provisioning.
“In the meantime, if there is any training or capacity development needs, we can seek them for assistance,” she said.
In addition to providing medium and large-caliber guns and electronics, Rheinmetall offers a wide spectrum of light to heavy tracked combat and support vehicles.
It has produced and delivered 978 Leopard II main battle tanks for German and Dutch armies, together with armoured recovery and armoured engineering vehicles.
(The Brunei Times)
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