AUSTRALIA DEFENSE LAUNCHES FIRST RFID-TAGGED SHIPMENTS INTO THE MIDEAST USING TRACKING NETWORKS BY SAVI TECHNOLOGY

Interoperable RFID Networks of Allies Improves Logistics Operations, Visibility, Management and Delivery of Military Supplies to Forces in the Field

MOUNTAIN VIEW, April 11, 2007 – In ceremonies at Sydney’s Mascot Airport, the Australian Defense Force (ADF) launched the first RFID-tagged shipments from Australia into the Middle East that can be automatically tracked by interoperable RFID networks built for coalition forces by Savi Technology, a Lockheed Martin company [NYSE: LMT].

The shipments aboard an air freighter launched Australia’s full-scale deployment of active RFID-tagged pallets and containers into the Middle East that can leverage wireless tracking networks operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, NATO, the United Kingdom and other coalition forces.

”Track and trace will provide near real-time automated tracking from the time the stores (supply shipments) are consigned in the warehouse until they are delivered to the area of operations,” Brigadier David McGahey, director general Materiel Information Systems Branch, said at the launch.
 
In its own announcement at the ceremonies, ADF stated:  “Under the joint project, Australia Defense is rolling out a leading-edge ‘Track and Trace’ system that will enable automated tracking of stores and equipment through the supply chain most anywhere in the world.”

“The Australia Defense Force has been a leader in maximizing the benefits of RFID  network solutions by collaborating with interoperable networks for greater end-to-end supply chain visibility and efficiency,” said Bruce Jacquemard, Managing Director of International Public Sector for Savi Technology. “We are building an interoperable network linked to our Consignment Management Application for a number of allies.”

Savi Technology has enabled interoperability among each of the allies’ RFID networks through the company’s SmartChain® Consignment Management (CMA) application, which is network software that leverages Savi’s family of active RFID products.  RFID In-Transit Visibility networks deployed for defense forces worldwide encompass more than 2,500 locations in more than 50 countries.  Savi Technology’s active RFID technologies are based on ISO 18000-7 standards, which are approved for use in nearly every country and ensures interoperability of RFID-tagged consignments moving through different networks.