French Navy selects Thales Group for simulator contract

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- The French Navy has awarded Thales Group a six-year contract to provide through-life support for nearly all of its simulators.

The contract covers 41 simulators at six naval facilities. The simulators cover a wide range of operations, including shipboard system maintenance, crew training, weapon firing simulators and others.

The French Navy uses the simulators to train all surface vessel crews, air defense and multimission frigates, and the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. Training simulation programs include submarine systems, maritime patrol aircraft, and anti-submarine warfare. Thales says the programs focus on mission planning and training efficiency.

The contract announcement comes as French government officials move to increase defense spending for fiscal year 2016 from roughly $18.7 billion to over $19 billion.

Company officials say the new contract demonstrates their leadership in training and simulation for naval customers.