MOWAG PIRANHA IIIH 8x8 Vehicles for Ireland
26 January 2006
On December 20th 2005 the Irish Department of Defence (DoD) and MOWAG GmbH – a General Dynamics company – signed a contract for a further batch of 15 units of the PIRANHA IIIH 8x8, with a total value of close to 30 Million Euros.
After two contracts for the same vehicle between 1999 and 2002, this contract adds two new variants to the fleet of MOWAG vehicles operated by the Irish DoD.
In 1999 the Irish Department of Defence selected the PIRANHA for their overseas peace keeping missions, where the vehicle proved its liability and performance. Earlier last year, the Irish Department of Defence (DoD) had announced the procurement of additional PIRANHAs. Until today 65 vehicles are in operation and the additional order will summarize to a total fleet of 80 units.
Of the now ordered 15 PIRANHA IIIH 8x8, 9 will be equipped with a remotely controlled and stabilized 12.7mm KONGSBERG Weapon Station and 6 with a stabilized OTOMELARA 30mm Weapon System.
The PIRANHAs will further enhance the military capability of Ireland to participate in international operations. The threat situation in such missions specifically calls for a high level of protection for the vehicle crews against mines and ballistic weapons.
With the worldwide operating PIRANHA IIIH 8x8, the technology-minded company from Kreuzlingen, Switzerland offers a proven product, which fulfils this high-ranking requirement of protection, comfort and mobility. With its third order, the Irish Army continues to trust in the reliability and performance of the successful product from Kreuzlingen.
Production will take place at MOWAG's facility in Kreuzlingen and deliveries will start in February 2007.
