£180m tech contract will protect 700 jobs

A £180 MILLION contract to deliver cutting edge threat technology for British Army vehicles will protect 700 jobs in Glasgow.

The Remote Weapons Stations (RWS) contract – expected to last 10 years – will also support 30 apprenticeships at the Thales UK’s Glasgow site.

Last year, UK Defence secured a settlement of more than

£24 billion over four years to modernise the Armed Forces to meet the threats of the future.

Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, Iain Stewart, pictured, said: “We look forward to working with Thales UK on the delivery of these Remote Weapons Stations, knowing this contract will not only contribute to the safety of British military personnel on the front line, but also support industry growth here in Scotland.

“Protecting hundreds of jobs and supporting 30 apprenticeships, this £180m UK Government investment further demonstrates our commitment to supporting the defence sector in Scotland and underscores the many opportunities available within the United Kingdom economy.”

The technology will use high definition, long-range cameras attached to the outside of the Boxer army vehicles to scan for enemy threats.

The RWS then alerts soldiers inside the armoured Boxer through a digital display – so they can keep a permanent watch outside while remaining safely inside the vehicle.

The system also offers key defensive capabilities – including a multi-barrel smoke grenade launcher, thermal imaging, and infra-red pointers.

POLICE are investigating the sudden death of a man in a Govanhill flat.

Officers were called to Westmoreland Street at 8.40am yesterday morning.

A spokeswoman said the death is being treated as unexplained but is not thought to be suspicious.

She said: “We received a report of the sudden death of a man at a property on Westmoreland Street, Glasgow, around 8.40am. The death is currently being treated as unexplained but is not believed to be suspicious. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”