Article Posted on : - Sep 14, 2011

The Luma IR is fired from the 105 mm Light Gun. A BAE Photo.

KARLSKOGA, SWEDEN (BNS): BAE Systems has won a 15.78200 million contract to produce 8,000 105mm infra-red illuminating artillery shells from the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Series production of LUMA Infra-Red (IR) starts immediately and the rounds will be delivered during 2012, according to a news release by the company.

Final assembly will be at BAE Systems’ Weapons business facilities in Karlskoga, Sweden.

The contract follows one worth $8.6801 million for LUMA IR in November 2010. Orders for further quantities could follow.

LUMA IR can be fired from the 105mm Light Gun, currently in service with UK forces in Afghanistan.

This order is separate from the long-term partnering contract for the supply of munitions signed between BAE Systems and the MoD in August 2008.

BAE Systems also supplies an 81mm mortar infra-red round to the UK MoD.