Russian Army orders Rheinmetall training centre

Rheinmetall has received a major order from the Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation for the construction of an army training centre in Mulino, Russia. The state-of-the-art facility will have the capacity to train 30,000 troops a year, according to a Rheinmetall company statement issued 24 November 2011.

The training centre will be located in the Volga region, and based on the high-tech army training centre located in the Altmark in Germany. The centre will provide simulation-supported training, and Rheinmetall will develop and supply the live combat simulation system as well as technical implementation of all aspects of the project, including commissioning and quality assurance.

According to the company the centre is designed to train a reinforced mechanized infantry or armoured brigade. An innovative rotation principle will enable training to take place simultaneously at a variety of stations, with the training system tracking and recording the activities of each participant via an electronic identification badge, helping to assure successful results throughout a training process lasting several weeks. Participants will not be allowed to proceed until they meet basic qualifications, after which they move on to other training stations, including live combat simulation, commander training by state-of-the-art constructive simulation, marksmanship with modern firing ranges as well as other practical training components.

The centre will also feature the networking of Live, Virtual and Constructive simulation elements in an LVC system which promises to set a new standard in military training. During live combat simulation, formations and units will soon be able to train for military operations using laser simulators and cutting edge communications technology mounted onto their original equipment and tactical vehicles, which will be able to range at will in a approximately 200-square-kilometre zone. Live fire will be simulated by eye-safe laser simulators for all weapons, ranging from small arms and light antitank weapons to tank guns, artillery, and an IFV-mounted automatic cannon.

To execute this project, Rheinmetall has entered into a strategic partnership with JSCo Oboronservis, the Russian company that will serve as general contractor and subsequently operate the facility on behalf of the Russian armed forces.