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BAE Systems’ subsidiary, BAE Systems Ordnance Systems, has announced it will partner with Hanwha Defense USA to modernise the company’s Radford Army Ammunition Plant in support of the US Army.
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Established in April 1941 as the Radford Ordnance Works and New River Plant, it will undergo an extensive modernisation of the existing production facility at the site located in Virginia.
BAE Systems Ordnance Systems, as the “facilities use” operator selected by the US Army in 2011 and officially taking over in 2012, will partner with the US subsidiary of Hanwha Defense and Aerospace, Hanwha Defense USA, to modernise the World War II-era facilities.
John Swift, vice-president and general manager of BAE Systems Ordnance Systems, said, “BAE Systems is fully committed to modernising the Radford Army Ammunition Plant and furthering its support of the US Army’s requirements.”
BAE Systems’ legacy of modernising while manufacturing will be supported by Hanwha Defense USA’s past experience in energetics facilities, resulting in a state-of-the-art process to manufacture propellants.
“We are excited to collaborate with Hanwha Defense USA as they will use their proven expertise to help us integrate advanced chemical processing capabilities into a manufacturing environment,” Swift added.
These comments were reinforced by John Kelly, president and chief executive officer of Hanwha Defense USA, who added, “The upgrade is based on technology and experience that Hanwha has already completed in their Korean energetics facilities.
“We look forward to implementing this upgrade at Radford and expanding our modernisation collaboration with BAE Systems and the Army,” Kelly added.
Radford Army Ammunition Plant is one of six government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCO) ammunition plants with an active mission to provide America’s warfighters with superior performing propellants, energetics and munitions in order to enable engagement and destruction of targets with total confidence.
BAE Systems Ordnance Systems will continue to operate Radford Army Ammunition Plant alongside its contract to continue operating the Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Kingsport, Tennessee, through 2035.
