Digital Angel, an advanced technology company in the field of animal identification and emergency identification solutions, announced today that its SARBE unit has been awarded a contract valued in excess of $400,000 to supply latest-generation Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) to the Portuguese Air Force (PAF).

The SARBE 6-406G equipment to be provided to the PAF will replace their current fleet of SARBE 6 PLBs that have become obsolete due to changes in the satellite monitoring system. This initial contract covers just a portion of the total projected demand from the PAF, which is expected to exceed $1.5 million over the next three years.

Joseph J. Grillo, CEO, Digital Angel, commented, "Once again our reputation and position in the military PLB market has led to another air force selecting SARBE equipment. The SARBE 6-406G is now in service with twenty-one Air Forces worldwide, demonstrating the confidence that these prestigious organizations have in our products."

The equipment selection team at the PAF cited their choice of the SARBE 6-406G as based on the excellent reputation of SARBE products and the close relationships that SARBE maintains with aircraft manufacturers such and Dassault and AgustaWestland, whose aircraft PAF operates.

PLBs represent a key component of personal survival equipment carried by aircrew of fast jet, transport and helicopter aircraft. In the event of aircrew having to abandon their aircraft the SARBE 6-406G is activated to transmit a distress message containing the exact GPS coordinates and identity of the survivor. The distress signal is received by the COSPAS-SARSAT global satellite network which then alerts the rescue authorities.

About SARBE

A division of Digital Angel's Signature Industries subsidiary, based in the United Kingdom, SARBE is a world leading producer of Locator Beacons, Emergency Location Transmitters and Submarine Locator Beacons. These products are in Tri-Force use on every continent. The very latest production techniques and technology ensure continuous product development. SARBE equipment is manufactured under an ISO Quality System and to the relevant STANAG, DEF STAN, CAA, FAA and COSPAS/SARSAT regulations and standards.

About Digital Angel

Digital Angel is an advanced technology company in the field of animal identification and emergency identification solutions. Digital Angel's products are utilized around the world in such applications as pet identification using its patented, FDA-approved implantable microchip; livestock identification and tracking using visual and radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags; and global positioning systems (GPS) search and rescue beacons for use on aircraft, ships and boats, and by adventure enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.digitalangel.com.

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