Thomas Global Systems has been selected as the Prime System Integrator for the Australian Army’s M1A2 Abrams Immersive Tactical Trainer (ITT), supporting the acquisition of 75 M1A2 Abrams System Enhancement Program Version 3 (SEPv3) Main Battle Tanks (MBT).
Stuart Robert, Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, and Dr Fiona Martin, Member for Reid announced the contract award at Thomas Global Systems’ headquarters in Sydney Olympic Park.
Thomas Global Systems will establish a new advanced manufacturing facility in Newington, NSW, to deliver 16 Immersive Tactical Trainers. 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.
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 located at Puckapunyal, Victoria.
“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," Thomas Global’s Managing Director of Defence Australia, Andrew Hutchinson said.
“This investment leverages Thomas Global Systems’ existing technical capabilities, and will also create or support 65 highly skilled design and engineering jobs throughout the supply chain. The contract also supports 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.
“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."
Thomas Global Systems’ history in military training simulation includes the ASLAV Crew Procedural Trainers, Collins Class Submarine trainers, and most recently being selected to deliver training equipment for the Australian Army’s Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle.