Thales to modernize tactical trainer for German Navy

BERLIN, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Thales Group has received a contract from the Bundeswehr to modernize the German Navy's tactical and procedural trainer.

The contract follows over ten years of unmodified operation of the trainer at the German Navy's training center in Bremerhaven. Thales officials say the trainer's IT infrastructure is at present outdated and no longer sustainable.

"With this project we solve the deterioration problems of existing systems and increase the capabilities of the tactical naval centre by participating in national and international simulated training and mission preparations," Bundeswehr project manager Brunhilde Henze said.

The contract covers several simulators, including VT-MOS, used to prepare young officers for practical operational service, the TVTM, used to prepare administration, commanders and command teams of warships for missions and exercises, and TacFloor, used for operational map games.

"With the current decision of Navy leaders concerning the future design of mission training, the education and training of crews and administrative officers using synthetic mission scenarios has become more important," Navy tactics Center commander Capt. Norbert Schatz explained.

The trainer will be used to support both national and international military exercises for the German Navy.