A LEADING defence company based in Basildon is toasting a £4.5million contract to supply specialist equipment to find enemy weapons.

Selex Galileo, which has a manufacturing base at Sigma House, Christopher Martin Road, says the deal will help protect jobs.

The order, for an unnamed country, is for two hostile artillery location systems, an acoustic weapon locating system, called Halo, that detects sound waves generated by gun or mortar fire and other explosions. Selex hopes to expand its site and is waiting for planning approval to develop an exhibition centre to show off its products.

Councillors have welcomed the news. Malcolm Buckley, Basildon councillor responsible for the environment, said: “This is yet another endorsement of high-quality engineering and technology available in Basildon.

“It will help to secure jobs within the area. Who the material is sold to is not a big issue, as it is defensive rather than offensive equipment. There are various export controls determing what can or can’t be sold to various countries. It is welcome news and I hope it indicates we are entering the end of the recession.”

Colin Horner, company spokesman, said “Selex Galileo welcomes this contract, which recognises Halo’s position as a world-leading acoustic weapon locating system.

“Halo, designed and manufactured at our Basildon site, is just one of the advanced technologies we’re able to offer to our customers around the world.”

However, Ann Kobayashi, 69, from Hazlemere Road, Wickford, has campaigned against the arms trade. She said: “I wholeheartedly believe profits should not be made from the sale of arms and other equipment.”