"We are developing DART, which is guided by a radio frequency beam, and the unguided variant, ART, to provide cost effective tools for naval planners concerned about the threats posed by cruise and sea skimmer missiles now available to rogue forces and the 'small swarm boats' used by terrorists," said Howard Goldberg, CEO of OTO.

"When you combine a range in excess of 8,000 yards, a proven microwave fuze, and a high rate of sustained fire capability, DART will defeat a barrage of incoming missiles and multiple swarm boats."

Goldberg said the unguided variant, ART, is an ultra high speed missile, which, when combined with the 76 SR system's high rate of fire, will provide the best possible protection against a multitude of explosive-laden terrorist swarm boats attacking naval vessels.

ART also is available as a non-lethal inert missile to stop suspect contraband ships without loss of life to the crew.

"All OTO 76mm gun systems include proven state-of-the-art barrel cooling systems which insure continued accuracy at a high rate of sustained fire," said Goldberg.

"DART and ART create multiple cost effective opportunities to defeat air and surface born threats compared to conventional missile systems. The Italian Navy is the first to use these systems and we envision that ART will be deployed in 2005 and DART will be deployed in 2007."

OTO and OTO Melara SpA are part of the global aerospace and defense company Finmeccanica.

OTO is currently evaluating sites for a US assembly and test facility for 76 SR gun systems as well as industrial arrangements for the US production of ART and DART.

Since these new Gun Launched Missile Systems are compatible with all variants of the OTO 76mm gun, the 54 country worldwide market could be supported by US production.

"76 SR gun systems, missiles, and ammunition produced in the US will be eligible for the FMS program," Goldberg concluded.