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Defence has signed a $7 million contract extension with BAE Systems Australia to support the Advanced Air Defence Simulator (AADS) in Adelaide for another three years.
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Based at Woodside Barracks, on the outskirts of Adelaide, the simulator is relied on by Army's 16th Air Land Regiment to train them in the use of surface-to-air missiles.
In fact, the 12-metre-high projection domed AADS forms the main training for the RBS70 ground-based air defence system, and was originally provided to the ADF in 2005 by BAE Systems as a way to save on live fire exercises, which could run costs as high as $200,000 per fire.
The screen dome has real-life scenarios projected on it from up to 27 projectors, creating a view for the soldiers of 270 degrees.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the simulator is vital to protect Australian soldiers from attack by aircraft.
“The contract extension will provide continued support to 16 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, with state-of-the-art training facilities,” Minister Price said.
“The Advanced Air Defence Simulator delivers an immersive and interactive training solution to Army’s use of the RBS70 weapon systems, which are designed to protect Australian soldiers.
“The contract extension with BAE Systems Australia represents continued investment in Australian industry and the continuity of highly technical jobs and expertise.”
BAE is working closely with a number of key Australian defence contractors as part of the deal, including Saab Australia, Bohemia Interactive Simulations, Xenon Systems and Barco.
BAE employs eight staff on the project at the South Australian site and at its offices in Ryde, NSW.
In 2018, BAE project manager for the AADS, Stephen Baldock, told media that the program had seen over half a million simulated firings at the dome, providing the Army $10 billion in cost savings.
