Boeing, Denmark's Systematic Sign 3 Memoranda of Understanding
AARHUS, Denmark, April 07, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Danish systems integration and software development company Systematic have signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) that outline areas for future business cooperation between the two companies. Opportunities addressed in the MOUs support areas of industrial cooperation outlined in Boeing's Super Hornet proposal to Denmark. The Super Hornet strike fighter is one of three finalists in Denmark's New Combat Aircraft competition.
Michael Holm, Systematic's CEO, said he recognizes the signed MOUs as a solid base for future endeavors between Systematic and Boeing.
"The MOUs are of high value to Systematic," Holm said. "They signify the long-standing, ongoing relationship we have with Boeing, and set exciting directions for new and expanded cooperation. Given Systematic's broad capabilities and Boeing's global strength, if we collectively strategize and truly focus on our areas of cooperation, a potential benefit of up to 10 percent of the Super Hornet investments is possible."
In the first of three documents announced today, Insitu -- a Boeing subsidiary and part of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' military aircraft business unit -- and Systematic agreed to explore software development and integration applications for the Insitu family of unmanned aircraft systems including ScanEagle and Integrator. The MOU also points to opportunities for Systematic to provide sales and management support services for the Insitu family of systems.
In the second MOU, Boeing Defence United Kingdom Ltd. -- a Boeing subsidiary and Integrated Defense Systems business supporting UK Ministry of Defence and U.S. military programs -- and Systematic agreed to consider opportunities for collaboration in the development of a ground forces interoperability lab as well as command and control solutions for land, sea and air domains.
Systematic could also benefit in a number of other areas, as outlined in a third memorandum, with Boeing's Engineering, Operations & Technology organization and its Integrated Defense Systems business. Opportunities include advanced research in electronic warfare technology, as well as in applying the Systematic SitaWare command and control solutions and the Systematic IRIS product line of interoperability and military messaging standards to Boeing platforms.
Tom Bell, vice president of Business Development for Boeing Military Aircraft, said he sees these MOUs as part of a growing mutual and cooperative relationship between the two companies.
"Systematic's expertise in information management and the integration of complex IT systems could be a strong complement as Boeing continually innovates its product and service offerings to ensure interoperability and situational awareness for our customers," Bell said. "Systematic has been an important partner to Boeing and its subcontractors, delivering advanced capabilities on a number of Boeing airborne warning systems, including the Systematic IRIS Suite for the NATO AWACS [Airborne Warning and Control System].
"We look forward to additional opportunities to work with Systematic, and to continue our strong history of investing for the long term in the regions where we do business," Bell added.
Boeing's industrial-cooperation proposal outlines other areas of industrial benefit to Denmark that leverage products and technologies from across the company and from key Boeing suppliers. Boeing has successfully implemented industrial-cooperation programs totaling more than US$29 billion in more than 35 countries over the past 30 years.
