Forces to get new enemy target locator
15 Feb 08
The UK's front line forces are to be equipped with a new target locator system, under a £30m contract with Thales UK, Defence Secretary Des Browne announced today, 15 February 2008.
Pre production model of the new Surveillance System and Range Finder
[Picture: MOD]
The new Surveillance System and Range Finder (SSARF) allows a soldier to quickly establish the exact location and distance of enemy forces and determine the most appropriate and accurate mortar or artillery firepower to use.
The new all-weather, day and night system is hand-held, lightweight, with built-in GPS, thermal imaging, and laser range finder of up to 5km.
It will be speedier, lighter to carry, more accurate and less conspicuous than the current system which has no thermal imaging, GPS and is tripod mounted.
Image simulating what the user will see looking through the new Surveillance System and Range Finder (SSARF)
[Picture: Thales UK]
Announcing the contract at the Thales UK site in Glasgow, Defence Secretary Des Browne, said:
"The ability to see and target accurately at night gives our troops on operations a boost to their capabilities. This will help deliver more effective use of firepower and save lives."
The new system is expected to enter service in 2009. An earlier version, on which SSARF is based, is currently being used on operations.