Thomas Global Systems to supply tank trainer

Defence electronics contractor Thomas Global Systems will be Prime System Integrator for the Australian Army’s M1A2 Abrams battle tank Immersive Tactical Trainer (ITT).

With Australia buying 75 M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks (MBT), Thomas Global will establish a new advanced manufacturing facility in Newington, NSW, to deliver 16 Immersive Tactical Trainers.

Thomas Global Systems will In addition to the acquisition contract announced, Thomas Global Systems has signed a separate comprehensive Support Contract to provide ongoing sustainment and support services of the delivered systems, bringing total program value to approximately $50 million.

The contract was announced at a signing ceremony (pictured) at the company’s headquarters

This latest contract builds on Thomas Global Systems’ 20-year history in military training simulation equipment including ASLAV armoured personnel carrier Crew Procedural Trainers, Collins Class Submarine trainers, and most recently the Australian Army’s Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle training systems.

Once complete, the 12 containerised ITTs will be deployed to defence bases throughout Australia, along with four classrooms to be permanently established at the Armoured Vehicle Simulation Site at Puckapunyal, Victoria.

Thomas Global’s Managing Director of Defence Australia, Andrew Hutchinson said: “As an Australian defence technology contractor, we are delighted to be selected to support the crew tactical training for the $3.5 billion M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams MBT acquisition.

“This Contract will enable Thomas Global Systems to further develop its sovereign design and manufacturing capability in complex immersive training systems, in Australia.”

The investment will also create or support 65 highly skilled design and engineering jobs in the supply chain as well as the establishment of a new advanced manufacturing facility in Newington.

“This five-year contract with the Australian Government presents a significant opportunity for Thomas Global Systems to access export markets in the global Abrams supply chain, in support of the US and our other allies and partners.”

Picture: Thomas Global Systems

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