Matra BAe Dynamics has hit the target for the second time at Asian Aerospace '98, announcing an order from Brunei for a "substantial" number of Mistral surface-to-air missile systems.
The order comes hot on the heels of Australia selecting the Anglo-French company's Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) for its fighters.
It is understood from industry sources that the initial batch of missiles is in the 'tens of millions' of dollars range, but details of the contract are not available. Further orders are expected.
"The Sultanate of Brunei has decided to order the missiles to upgrade the defence of its sensitive areas," says a spokesman. "The order comes after an international competition which included such competitors as the Starburst missile from Thomson-Shorts.
"Following the recent contracts signed with Hungary and South Korea, Brunei is now the 23rd country to order the Mistral."
The Mistral is a "fire-and-forget" weapon equipped with an infrared homing head.
Source: Flight Daily News