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Thales Belgium WB Electronics and Arex Signed MOU to Develop AREX ZMU Turret Equipped with 70mm Rockets

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Thales Belgium WB Electronics and Arex Signed MOU to Develop AREX ZMU Turret Equipped with 70mm Rockets

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Thales Belgium WB Electronics and Arex Signed MOU to Develop AREX ZMU Turret Equipped with 70mm Rockets
Thales Belgium WB Electronics and Arex Signed MOU to Develop AREX ZMU Turret Equipped with 70mm Rockets

Leveraging their respective competencies, the three entities will capitalize on their synergies and expertise to market together. The AREX ZMU 03/05 turret will be armed with Thales Belgium SA (formerly Forges de Zeebrugge – FZ) unguided and guided rockets. AREX ZMU unmanned turrets are distinguished by their modular design. These systems, engineered and made in Poland, are capable of adapting to any weapon in calibers from 5.56 mm to 40 mm. The ZMU turrets are 20% lighter compared to other solutions. The ZMU 03/05 modular design enables quick service and repair, as well as easy upgrades and modernization. All AREX remote controlled weapon stations are equipped with double optical sensor and gun stabilization. Thanks to the integration of unguided and guided rocket systems, the new AREX ZMU 03/05 will address even more operational needs for land forces such as Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and precision guided munition for Ground-to-Ground use at a lower cost.

The Precision Guided Munition FZ275 LGR has been developed by Thales Belgium to close the gap between guns, cannons, unguided rockets and high-end missiles, meeting the demands for an efficient C-AUS solution. The FZ275 LGR adds the precision for light armoured targets like buildings, aircraft on ground, light armoured vehicles, radar and command stations etc. The system can also be used to counter drone threats with a simple and cost-efficient solution being able to address UAS at ranges up to 3 km and height up to 2.5 km, using the newly developed FZ123 warhead on existing unguided rocket motors and with most of the rocket launchers in Thales’ portfolio. Additional future capabilities in land solutions and counter-drone solution can easily be implemented too on the solution developed by WB Electronics, Arex and Thales Belgium.

511 Tactical
Thales FZ275 Semi-Active Laser Guided Rocket

Thales Belgium SA (formerly Forges de Zeebrugge – FZ) a 100% affiliate of the French multinational Thales Group is the technology and innovation leader specialized in the field of 70mm air-to-ground rocket systems (2.75” NATO Standard) in the defence market throughout the world. Thales Belgium is one of the unique companies capable of providing a complete 70mm rocket system (ammunition, rocket launcher and firing control system) and handling all the services linked to manage the air-ground rocket systems and ensure their integration on the different carriers (aircrafts, helicopters, boats and land vehicles). With a history of innovation spanning over more than 55 years, Thales Belgium designs, manufactures, integrates and supplies state-of-the-art rocket systems 70mm under its registered brand FZ® and provides a global service in its field of activity to its customers.

AREX is a member of WB Group- the largest private defence group in Poland. The company has 35 years of experience. Most of the employees are engineers of different specializations: mechanics, electronics and IT. In the defence sector, AREX is developing various weapons training systems and weapon control systems such as self-propelled howitzers. The company cooperates closely with scientific and research centres, which include the Gdansk University of Technology and the Polish Naval Academy, to maintain the highest technological standard and the development. WB Group is a Polish electronics and aeronautics manufacturer, and one of Europe’s largest private defence contractors. The company was established in 1997 and is based in Ożarów Mazowiecki. Through its various subsidiaries, WB produces military communications equipment, command and control systems, fire-control systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and loitering munitions.

AREX ZMU 03/05 turret
AREX ZMU 03/05 turret

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