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.