U.S. orders more Saab combat vehicle training systems

LINKOPING, Sweden, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has exercised a contract option with Saab, the Swedish defense and security company, for additional laser-based vehicle training systems.

The first option under a five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Combat Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation System for U.S. Army's armored combat vehicles is worth $ 11.8 million.

"This system will enhance the training realism for the mounted soldiers immediately as the Army makes the shift to Unified Land Operations while supporting the Army force Generation model as troops return from current combat operations," said says Lars Borgwing, president of Saab Defense and Security USA.

"Saab`s new generation of simulators are designed to connect seamlessly with the modern instrumented training sites."

The Armed Forces Generation model tailors the resources and training of units to meet the requirements of combatant commanders. The aim is to transform the Army into a more deployable and maneuverable modular force.

The Combat Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation System is a wireless live training system that provides an accurate laser-based replication of combat vehicle weapons on M-1 Abram's tanks and M-2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

Saab said the original contract – for the development, testing and delivery of limited-rate initial production systems -- has an estimated overall value of $90 million but provided no other details.