Saab announces UHDT underwater IED contract

3rd November 2014 - 14:00 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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Saab has announced that it will deliver a Water Borne Improvised Explosive Device Remotely Operated Vehicle (WBIEDROV) to the US Underwater Hazardous Device Team’s (UHDT) Technical Support Working Group (TSWG).

The UHDT is seeking improved capabilities to tackle the growing threat from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the US domestic maritime domain.

Saab’s WBIEDROV will improve UHDT’s awareness of the challenging underwater environment of the ship’s hull and jetty, allowing for the search and defeat of IEDs while maintaining station in a current.

Agneta Kammeby, head of underwater systems, said: ‘This is a perfect example of how Saab combines military and commercial technology already in place within Saab to develop new products. We hope to follow the huge strides that have been made on land in the area of remote IED disposal over the past ten years and to address the problem of underwater security. This is a significant challenge, but de-risking the maritime IED threat is an essential task.’

Lars Borgwing, president and CEO, Saab Defense and Security USA, added: ‘This is a great example of Saab’s ability to leverage the advanced technology and high competence providing leading edge capabilities and solutions to our US defenders.’