Thales Australia to develop new soldier weapon system
Thales has committed to developing a new future soldier weapon system for the Australian Defence Forces at its Lithgow small arms manufacturing facility in New South Wales.
It will integrate disruptive digital technologies, advanced sensor and targeting equipment and networked communications into the system, which collectively will provide Australia with a capability advantage, Thales says.
The company will draw on its advanced manufacturing techniques to develop a weapon system that will combine cutting edge sensors and targeting systems, biometric security safeguards, tactical network links to enable collaborative engagement, plus enhanced command, control and situational awareness for both individual soldiers and commanders.
Thales’ Lithgow small arms manufacturing facility has been developing systems for Australia since 1912, and the company says that this new development will help continue this heritage.
‘Rapid advances in digital technology bring increasing threats as well as new capabilities,’ Chris Jenkins, CEO of Thales Australia, said.
‘Thales’ future weapon system accelerates the development process for an era of networked warfare.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Rolls-Royce teams up with FFG to improve Wisent 1 and Leopard 1 engines
The two companies will work together to develop a concept to repower the tank vehicle family with mtu 8V199 engines.
-
Poland announces IBCS integration timeline
Polish defence leaders said the country already has a squadron trained on using the Integrated Battle Command System which it planned to move forward with in 2024.
-
Australian Army readies itself for influx of heavy metal
The Australian Army has been restructuring its armoured capabilities, consolidating heavy armoured vehicles such as the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams and AS21 Redback IFVs in Townsville, while also advancing key defence projects.
-
Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 3 programme receives first high-capacity batteries
Hanwha Defence Australia will supply the Redback IFV to the Australian Army as part of one of the force’s largest and most expensive project in its history.