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
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions]()
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
-
![MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia]()
MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia
The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.
-
![Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow]()
Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow
The Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover has secured orders from the US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, addressing demand for agile Arctic mobility with passenger, cargo and towing capacity.
-
![Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System]()
Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System
Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System is in service with Polish forces and is being introduced to US forces, with further development underway on the original platform as well as a smaller, more mobile system.
-
![UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day]()
UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day
The UK’s plan to introduce a new air defence capability into the British Army will cover short and medium-range defence as well as counter-uncrewed aerial system systems. Timelines are not yet laid out but industry is making plans.
