Kongsberg began assembling the M151 Protector, currently in service on Stryker vehicles that now is becoming the CROWS platform, at Kongsberg's plant in Johnstown in 2006. This five- year contract will provide the Army with a minimum of 1,300, and a maximum of 6,500 systems.

"This contract will provide the Kongsberg facility in Johnstown with more than twice as much work as we are currently doing there," commented Knut Saeter, Vice President, Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace. "We are also encouraging our suppliers to take a look at the Johnstown region for our subcontracting work."

"The CROWS system is saving lives in both Iraq and Afghanistan," said Murtha. "This contract will provide an immediate benefit to our soldiers and continue to provide jobs here in our region."

The CROWS system is a remotely-operated heavy and medium machine gun platform mounted on Humvee and Stryker vehicles. The system is operated by a computer screen from within the vehicle, providing increased safety to our troops who are exposed to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and small-arms fire with externally operated weapons systems. The CROWS system provides a 360 degree rotation and contains fire control software that improves accuracy against moving targets.

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