SCIENCE firm AEA Technology has scooped a multi-million pound contract to keep Britain's soldiers talking.

The company, which employs 1,700 people at its sites in Harwell and Culham, has a deal with Hunting Engineering to power the British Army's new battlefield communications system, known as Bowman.

It has developed batteries which are lighter and last much longer than conventional batteries.

Dr Chris Wright, chairman of AEA Technology Batteries, said the contract also created potential for new export markets, particularly in Nato countries, where better, lighter communications systems were needed.

He said: "This contract enables AEA Technology to maintain its position as the leading technology supplier in the field of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

"Our priority is to develop a dominant position in the high-margin, niche markets where there is a strong demand for advanced technology."

The batteries will made made at a new £12m purpose-built factory in Thurso, Scotland, owned by AEA Technology, Japan Storage Battery Co and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation.

It has the capacity to produce up to two million batteries a year. The first batteries for the new Bowman system are due in March.

Last month. AEA Technology Batteries announced it was supplying batteries for the new Tactical Ground-to-Air Communications System, soon to be supplied to the Ministry of Defence by Hunting Engineering.

The military radios, which give improved communication between ground forces and supporting aircraft, will be equipped with batteries that last up to 50 per cent longer than any available until now.

Two months ago, AEA Technology opened a £3.5m centre in Culham to develop a new generation of rechargeable batteries.

Story date: Tuesday 09 February

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