The defence and security company Saab has signed a framework agreement with Italian Piaggio Aero Industries, whereby it has received an order valued at €15.5 million for the integration of surveillance systems in Piaggio Aero's new surveillance aircraft. The new Piaggio Aero Multirole Patrol Aircraft (MPA) is multi-functional and can be used for airborne patrols over land and sea.

Within the framework agreement Saab receives an initial order for the delivery and integration of the MPA Mission System surveillance system. The order comprises two MPA aircraft and requires Saab to integrate a package of advanced surveillance equipment comprising sensors, radar, infra-red cameras and a mission system.

"Saab has many years' experience of integrating surveillance systems on its own platforms and others, and on different types of aircraft,” said Lars-Erik Wige, Head of business area Support and Services at Saab. “This order proves Saab's ability to deliver market-leading and high-performing surveillance systems in a very short time, whilst being competitively priced at a level that suits the market.”

The framework agreement aims to regulate the relationship between the two parties and the terms and conditions for future orders. Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled from now up until 2015.