Nigerian Army patrol boats on active peace-keeping duties in the Niger Delta are better able to communicate safely after a recent installation of communications equipment by Grintek.
The Niger Delta, which extends roughly over 70,000 square kilometers and makes up 7.5per cent of Nigeria’s land mass, is home to over 20 million people of more than 40 ethnic groups, speaking some 250 dialects, therefore, being able to communicate effectively under these conditions becomes critical.
Saab Grintek was recently awarded contract to install communication equipment on 25 patrol boats belonging to the Nigerian Army. The vessels form part of project “Restore Hope,” a peace-keeping mission by the Nigerian Army in the Niger Delta. There is further contract pending installation of communications equipment in another 25 boats.
The boats are equipped with HF and VUHF transceivers and Saab Grintek is the exclusive supplier. The deal was secured through Saab Grintek’s Teaming Partner, Suncraft International.
Saab Grintek undertook active field trials for a two week period, to show that the equipment met stringent military operating specifications. The tests included a water test and the drop test.
In the water test, the equipment was submerged under water for 15 minutes. After being retrieved, it is still expected to work flawlessly. Similarly, the drop test is designed to test the equipment’s ruggedness and durability. It was dropped from a height equivalent to a one storey window and remained fully operational.*thisdayonline.com