EAST HARTFORD, Conn., April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- RSL Fiber Systems, LLC has added yet another major distinction to its rapidly-increasing portfolio of achievements, securing its first international defense contract, with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, to supply fiber optic remote source lighting systems for the Italian Navy's new FREMM class frigates, currently under construction.

The contract, for the first six of an anticipated 10 FREMM (Fregata Europea Multi-Missione) anti-submarine warfare and general purpose frigates, is RSL's first non-U.S. Navy agreement. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The deal bolsters RSL's reputation in the defense industry as a premier provider of innovative shipboard lighting solutions for the world's most sophisticated warships, and comes on the heels of two notable accolades in the last six months: In October, the company was recognized by the Connecticut Technology Council and Marcum LLP as Connecticut's leading advanced manufacturer in revenue growth. In February, RSL was presented with the 2010 North American Technology Innovation of the Year Award in Remote Source Lighting by internationally-renowned global research leader Frost & Sullivan.

"We are extremely excited to be chosen by Fincantieri, one of the world's largest designers and builders of merchant and naval vessels, for this leading-edge work," said RSL Chief Executive Officer/Chief Technology Officer Giovanni Tomasi. "The FREMM frigate will be a world-class warship, and our role in its development opens up numerous opportunities for RSL with the Italian Tech sector and far beyond."

A division of Skyler Technologies Group, RSL Fiber Systems provides advanced lighting solutions and integrated illumination systems for military and commercial applications. RSL fiber optic technology illuminates U.S. Navy warships including the LPD 17 class, the experimental craft "Sea Fighter," and the Navy's newest advanced destroyer, the DDG 1000, currently under construction. The company is also developing illumination systems and solutions for such diverse commercial applications as mining, refineries, offshore oil exploration, first responders/homeland security, and renewable energy.

The company's core technology, remote source lighting, provides safe, low-maintenance, high-performance illumination uniquely by utilizing its proprietary, high-efficiency optical fiber to deliver light safely and effectively over extended distances to critical or hazardous locations.

Website:  http://www.rslfibersystems.com/

SOURCE RSL Fiber Systems, LLC