London's General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada has secured a contract with the New Zealand army to provide support for its light-armoured vehicles for the next 25 years. General Dynamics officials said yesterday that under the deal it will provide technical assistance, configuration management, obsolescence management, repair and overhaul services and spare parts. The deal is worth $3.8 million for the first two years. The agreement is also a mechanism by which the New Zealand army can obtain other services, including systems engineering, logistics services, field services and training.

General Motors Defense Division, which was acquired by General Dynamics in a $1.1-billion US deal, signed its first deal with New Zealand in 2000. The $375-million contract was for 105 light armoured vehicles (LAVs).

General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada is a business unit of General Dynamics Land Systems of Sterling Heights, Mich.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs about 66,900 people worldwide and projects 2003 revenues of $16.1 billion US.