General Dynamics UK Opens NIMCIS Conversion Facility for Dutch Marines

LONDON, September 19 /PRNewswire/ --

- Key Milestone Continues Success of Major Bowman Export Programme

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has announced the opening of a conversion facility for its EUR 94 million NIMCIS contract with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. The centre was officially opened by Major General Rob Zuiderwijk, Commandant of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and Commodore Klaas Visser, Director of the Naval Establishment, Den Helder, on 19th September 2006.

Royal Netherlands Marine Corps vehicles will be converted at the centre to allow the installation of equipment for NIMCIS, the New Integrated Marines Communication and Information System. NIMCIS is the first major Bowman export contract and involves the digitisation of some 300 platforms to enable the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (RNLMC) to use a range of network-enabled command, control, communications, computing and intelligence (C4I) systems. As prime contractor and systems integrator, General Dynamics UK will provide the Dutch Marines with a Bowman secure voice and data communications infrastructure. This will enable full interoperability with Britain's Royal Marines, especially 3 Commando Brigade, in support of the joint UK/NL Amphibious Battlegroup.

Dr Sandy Wilson, President and Managing Director of General Dynamics UK, said: "We are pleased to be providing the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps with advanced Bowman capabilities already being rolled out to the UK Armed Forces. Bowman is proving a great benefit, saving lives on operations. NIMCIS will give the Dutch Marines these advantages, as well as enabling interoperability between the two allies in the UK/NL Amphibious Force. Conversion is already under way, and we look forward to continuing our close partnership with the DMO and the Naval Support Establishment in Den Helder over the coming months."

General Dynamics UK has welcomed the NIMCIS contract as evidence that the company is strongly positioned to take advantage of export markets for its C4I capabilities.

Dr Wilson added: "The opening of this facility is another major step for General Dynamics UK's growing export business. As a prime contractor and complex systems integrator with over 40 years' experience and 1500 employees in the UK, we are able to draw both on our own unique expertise, as well as global resources and capabilities. A key element of the Defence Industrial Strategy is a self-sustaining UK industrial capability, and this Bowman export contract substantially enhances Britain's industrial base."

The NIMCIS programme was awarded to General Dynamics UK in July 2005, and is being delivered to an aggressive timescale with conversion starting just over a year after contract award.

Conversion of the 1st Battalion is likely to be concluded by the end of the year, and the full conversion programme is anticipated to be completed within 12 months.

In parallel with the Conversion programme, the RMLMC is starting its training on the system and equipment. The first 60 students are currently being trained in the Naval Training Centre in Amsterdam, utilising the Computer Aided Interactive Training facility provided by General Dynamics UK.

Company information

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited is a British company, a leading prime contractor and complex systems integrator specialising in military communications, battlespace, and mission and information management systems. General Dynamics UK has been active in the UK since 1962 and now employs over 1500 highly skilled staff at eight locations including Oakdale and Newbridge in South Wales, and Hastings in South East England.

General Dynamics UK is currently delivering the Bowman CIP joint programme to provide the British Armed Forces with secure, digital voice and data communications, together with the information infrastructure to support a range of network-enabled systems over the next 30 years. With unparalleled experience in digitisation and a concentration of key skills and facilities, General Dynamics UK has a unique UK capability in the integration and digitisation of Armoured Fighting Vehicles. For more information, see http://www.generaldynamics.uk.com

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 81,900 people worldwide and had 2005 revenue of US$21.2 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information can be found online at http://www.generaldynamics.com.

Web site: http://www.generaldynamics.com http://www.generaldynamics.uk.com