Euronaval – Paris 24 October 2006: ASMAR*, the maintenance and support organization of the Chilean Navy, and Thales Nederland signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the subject of Thales providing support to ASMAR for the maintenance of the Thales equipment on board of the four frigates of the Chilean Navy that were purchased from the Royal Netherlands Navy. The MoU was signed by Rear Admiral H.J. Pearce, Director of ASMAR and A.C. Blokhuis, Vice President of Thales Naval Services Nederland. In the MoU, ASMAR and Thales express their intention to sign a contract on this matter in November 2006, at Exponaval in Chile.

The two former RNLN air defence frigates and two multi-purpose frigates are currently being transferred to the Chilean Navy. The last one is scheduled to be operational in April 2007. The Thales systems on board of these vessels include the SMART-S and LW08 surveillance radars, the STIR fire control radar, the GOALKEEPER close-in weapon system, the PHS36 sonar, the combat management system, operator consoles and various communication systems.

After-Sales Manager Jan Kupper: "The present MoU marks the beginning of a long-term relation between the Chilean Navy and Thales. We are confident that this cooperation will be beneficial to both partners."

*)ASMAR : Astilleros y Maestranzas de la Armada