SELEX Systems Integration to provide training for £150m FIST
programme
30 September 2009 –
SELEX Systems Integration Ltd, a Finmeccanica company, has been
selected by Thales UK Ltd as the preferred training provider for
the Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) capability being
delivered as part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Future
Infantry Soldier Technology (FIST) programme.
FIST is being designed to
enhance the 24-hour capability and mission effectiveness of ground
forces, particularly in the areas of day and night surveillance and
target acquisition, navigation, command, control and battle
preparation. FIST is managed by DE&S, in conjunction with the
Thales FIST Prime Contract Management Office (PCMO). The new STA
equipment will be available for soldiers to use for training before
being deployed in Afghanistan in early 2011. The major capability
upgrade will cover improved weapon sighting and observation systems
that each soldier will carry, providing them with a level of
situational awareness that is urgently needed and has never been
available previously.
The full FIST STA package will consist of nearly
11,000 suites of equipment, comprising: thermal sights, close
quarter battle sights, commanders’ target locating systems,
lightweight day sights, underslung grenade launcher sights and fire
control systems, ruggedised digital cameras, and lightweight
infantry periscopes.
The training package
includes producing the training needs analysis and course material.
Initially, SELEX Systems Integration will be delivering the Train
the Trainer solution, with further options being considered as the
programme matures.
SELEX Systems Integration
Director of Training Solutions, Tony Miklinski, said: “We are
excited to have been awarded this contract, which clearly builds
upon our heritage and expertise as a defence training supplier over
the past 20 years. FIST is a critical project to the future of the
UK Armed Forces, and SELEX Systems Integration looks forward to
working closely with Thales and the MOD to deliver this essential
capability upgrade for years to come.”
Further
information
For further information, please contact
Mark Gunning on mark.gunning@selex-si-uk.com.