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The technology company has been selected to deliver its virtual training platform for the Army’s next-generation battle tanks.
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The Commonwealth government has awarded a contract to Thomas Global Systems for the delivery of the Australian Army’s M1A2 Abrams Immersive Tactical Trainer (ITT), used to prepare personnel for the operation of the future M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks.
Specifically, Thomas Global Systems has been tasked with delivering 16 units, developed from a future advanced manufacturing facility in Newington, NSW.
Once developed, 12 containerised ITTs are expected to be deployed to defence bases across Australia, with four classrooms to be permanently established at the Armoured Vehicle Simulation Site located at Puckapunyal, Victoria.
Separately, the company has also signed a comprehensive support contract for the provision of ongoing sustainment and support services, taking the combined value of the deal to $50 million.
Thomas Global’s managing director of defence Australia, Andrew Hutchinson, welcomed the opportunity to support the Australian Army’s multi-billion-dollar Abrams acquisition.
He said the deal could create or support 65 highly skilled design and engineering jobs across the supply chain.
“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,” Hutchinson said.
“We look forward to continuing to develop our existing portfolio of Australian defence training and simulation work in collaboration with global partners like Thales, Rheinmetall, Safran and Systematiq.”
This deal builds on Thomas Global Systems’ military training simulation work across a number of land, maritime and aerospace programs in Australia, including the ASLAV, Collins Class submarine, and Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle projects.
The Abrams training deal comes four months after Defence confirmed the government would push ahead with its request to procure 75 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks under the LAND 907 Phase 2 project following approval from the federal cabinet.
The M1A2 SEPv3 Main Battle Tanks are expected to upgrade the existing fleet, with no changes to the Royal Australian Armoured Corps force structure.
The first vehicles are scheduled to be delivered in 2024, with initial operating capability expected in 2025.
[Related: Defence confirms M1A2 Abrams acquisition]
