THE Ministry of Defence in Spain has awarded a second government contract to a Romsey technology and defence company.

Chemring Technology Solutions, based in the town, had been supplying detectors for improvised explosive devices to the country.

Following an evaluation of ministers in Spain, the defence ministry has chosen to award Chemring a second contract for the GoundHunter Advanced Wire Detectors (AWD).

Employing around 450 staff, Chemring will continue to provide wire detectors and support to the Spanish ministry, while continuing to look at video surveillance technology.

Its technology provides increased assurance in wet ground, or where an IED has been weathered-in and there is nothing visible to anyone on the ground.

Roger Hopper, strategic business development manager at Chemring said: “Our proven pedigree of developing exceptional sensors and systems has enabled us to create GroundHunter AWD.

“It is easy to use, easy to train, easy to carry and is the most effective wire detector in all the competitive trails.

“The Spanish Ministry of Defence’s decision to purchase GroundHunter AWD is testament to this unique sensing technology which delivers a new and unrivalled level of assurance when finding command wires.”

Roger told the Advertiser that the company were looking at unmanned aerial surveillance equipment as their next steps.

He said: “We are having a look at UAVs and other measures to disrupt, which is the proper term.

“It’s always important to produce the best we can, and the Spanish ministry’s decision is a reflection of that.”

Sergeant Burgos, of the Spanish Ministry of Defence said: “Of all the equipment we evaluated, GroundHunter AWD was the only one to meet our requirements and exceeded the performance of other systems.

“Its high levels of detection will give our operators the highest levels of assurance.”

The company, which employs hundreds of staff split into different sectors, is based on Old Salisbury Lane, near to Awbridge.

They also have a branch in Poole, near Bournemouth.