Elbit Systems UK has been awarded a contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide, maintain and operate the Ground Manoeuvre Synthetic Trainer (GMST) system for UK Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicles (MIVs) and Challenger 3 main battle tanks (MBTs) under the British Army’s Project Vulcan, the company announced on 9 May 2023.
The initial phase of delivery of Elbit Systems UK’s systems will support early arrivals of the British Army’s new Boxer MIVs. The programme will include high-fidelity driver trainers and cabins for turret and armament variants backed up by a full digital, training management system.
“Elbit Systems UK’s open architecture and common digital systems support the delivery of an agile, interchangeable platform capability,” the company stated in a press release.
“This also demonstrates our ongoing support to the Land Industrial Strategy, which focuses on ensuring the army receives the capabilities it requires and also drives opportunity for UK industry and the economy,” the company added.
The simulators will be networked to allow soldiers to train simultaneously in different formations, vehicles and locations. They can also be adapted to meet the training needs of all future armoured vehicles inducted by the British Army.
“Elbit Systems UK is delighted to have been selected to provide the British Army with such an important project,” Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK, was quoted as saying. “The training of armoured vehicle crews is paramount to their operational effectiveness and safety, and we take great pride in the trust the UK MoD have placed in us to deliver this contract.
“Elbit Systems’ innovative training capabilities are already deployed extensively across the globe,” he added. “We pride ourselves on being able to use our extensive British footprint and supply chain to adapt Elbit Systems’ global solutions for the specific needs of the UK armed forces. Through our focus on spiral development and open architecture we will continue to develop advanced capabilities to support the UK and our allies in the years ahead.”
Peter Felstead