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EQUIPMENT PROFILE, Denmark
Date Posted: 30-Apr-2015
Jane's International Defence Review
Fixed, deployable, scalable: TES takes
training to the next level
Live training using laser-based TES systems is becoming increasingly sophisticated
and realistic. Giles Ebbutt looks at Saab's solution
The most effective training is that which achieves the best balance between realism and the ability
to analyse performance and provide feedback which can be used to improve it. The most realistic
military ground training is that which takes place in real terrain and weather conditions using real
equipment. This ensures that the physical demands of ground operations are mirrored in training.
However, providing realistic weapons effects is a different matter. While blank ammunition and
various explosive battlefield effects can demonstrate activity and provide atmosphere, without a
realistic apportionment of personnel and vehicle casualties they cannot provide an accurate
assessment of effect.
Although nothing can quite beat the adrenaline rush provided by using live ammunition, for
obvious reasons such evolutions can only be one-sided and are resource-intensive in terms of
safety supervision. But substituting lasers and laser detectors for live ammunition enables realistic
force-on-force training and if the actions of the players are tracked and monitored, you are then
close to achieving that ideal recipe for effective training.
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The Saab TES dismounted equipment consists of the BT 47 laser transmitter and the PDD. The
BT 47 is the small box mounted just behind the blank firing attachment. Note the simulated
grenade. (Saab)
1630191
Live laser training systems are known as Tactical Engagement Simulation (TES) systems. There
are two main elements to a TES system: the laser transmitter, detector, and weapon effects
system, and the instrumentation and tracking system that provides detailed After Action Reports
(AAR). Exercises can either be conducted within a fixed Combat Training Centre (CTC) area, with
a permanent communications and instrumentation infrastructure, or by using mobile data
communications systems that achieve the same result but in different areas.
The basic principle of TES is that a laser transmitter is fitted to the weapon which 'fires' an eyesafe laser beam. When this encounters a laser detector it triggers a response according to the
type of laser 'fired'. Within the laser is embedded a code which carries information about the
ammunition type the laser is simulating, which can be read by the laser detector, together with
the firer's identity.
There are two types of laser system: one-way and two-way. The one-way laser has a flat
trajectory, goes at the speed of light, and effectively is used for tactical engagement pairing in
simple force-on-force training. The two-way scanning laser accurately simulates the ballistic
trajectory and speed of a projectile and transmits impact information to targets within its scan
area.
Target systems within the area evaluate the impact data and determine the battle damage or near
miss, as the case may be, by using a detailed vulnerability model. Detector prisms mounted on the
target provide a return to the laser transmitter, enabling range to target to be determined. This
range data is used in the simulation of tracer and burst-on-target visual simulation in the gunner's
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sight.
The main types of laser code are the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES), the
original version developed in the United States and still in use, and the Optical Interface
Definition, better known by its German name, Optische Schnittstelle für Agdus und Gefübz
(OSAG). The most recent version of the latter, OSAG 2.0, has been developed in part to provide
more common standards among users to enable interoperability between countries and permit
more effective international exercises.
OSAG 2.0 is an open standard which has been developed by an international user community
which includes members of the armed forces from Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the
Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, but the driving force behind the initiative
has been Saab. The main aims have been to establish agreed ammunition tables, ammunition
penetration capability data, and target vulnerability guidelines.
The new standard provides an increased number of simulated ammunition types for more realistic
target engagement effects; uses engagement distance to the target, enabling lethality to be
calculated according to the effective range of the ammunition; and supports indoor positioning
systems where GPS is unavailable (achieved withinfrared diode transmitters). Laser pulse wave
lengths and laser detector characteristics and geometry are standardised, and the codes are
transmitted by modulating the laser pulse intervals.
Saab is a major provider of TES systems and supplies its equipment on a large scale to the US
Army, US Marine Corps (USMC), and British Army as well as to a number of other armies
worldwide.
The BT 46 Mk II target detection system, showing the laser detectors and the reflecting prisms.
(Giles Ebbutt)
1192497
The Saab laser transmitters are the BT 46 system for crew-served and large calibre platformmounted weapons, and the BT 47 system for small arms. The BT 47 Small Arms Transmitter
(SAT), which weighs around 320 g including the bracket, is fitted to any SA weapon system up to
0.50 calibre by using different clamp brackets. It is not aligned with the barrel of the weapon but
with the sight, so it is effectively zeroed to the weapon. Through the use of shaping prisms in the
transmitter the laser beam retains its shape at long ranges, with a cross-section about the size of
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a large dinner plate, resulting in greater accuracy from close-quarter engagements out to the
maximum effective range.
The SAT is initiated by the shock and flash of the weapon firing a blank round but the mode can
be changed to accommodate the use of SIMUNITION rounds where there is effectively no muzzle
flash. Some specific law enforcement customers who need to train in circumstances where the use
of blank rounds is undesirable have opted for a dry fire switch.
The SAT is programmed to fire the correct code for the weapon and ammunition type being used
with a device, which configures the laser according to the specific weapon. This is a simple user
process. The SAT can fire either OSAG 2.0 or MILES codes, enabling it to be used with other
MILES devices, but has to be configured for one or the other.
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The rear view of the latest generation of PDD in its Advanced form. Note the zip on element which
adds the instrumentation capability. (Saab)
1630192
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The individual soldier wears a Personal Detection Device (PDD) which consists of vest and helmetmounted detectors. A control module with a display and loudspeaker provides different alerts
according to the effect, such as kill, wound, near miss, or artillery fire. There is a wireless link
between the PDD and the SAT, and if the latter detects that the former is 'alive' or the wearer has
only been 'injured' below a certain threshold it will allow the weapon to be fired. In general these
are only one-way systems and no fall of shot feedback is provided, but if a customer requires
higher fidelity a two-way reflector is mounted on the helmet.
The BT 46 system is modular and scalable according to the weapon system and platform on which
it is mounted. On an armoured vehicle the laser transmitter is mounted on or in the main
armament and integrated into the platform fire-control system (FCS), so that all relevant
information such as laser designation and ammunition selection is recorded.
For crew-served weapons, the laser transmitter mountings vary, either being mounted in the
weapon, such as in an anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW), or alongside the barrel, such as with the
0.50 calibre Heavy Machine Gun (HMG). The latter is an interesting example of different levels of
capability, as it can either be fitted with a BT 47 SAT or with a BT 46. The BT 46 provides the
gunner with tracer, fall of shot and splash on target visual feedback through the Trace Burst
Obscuration Device (TBOS).
Vehicle or bunker target systems simulate the effect of a laser engagement through the use of
either a precision Universal Target System (UTS) or a simpler Wireless Target System (WTS). The
UTS has a detailed vulnerability model for both turret and hull and can simulate the effect of
multiple engagement angles and hull-down mode. When damaged or killed, the UTS built-in
strobe lights flash to indicate the damage level. The UTS can also initiate pyrotechnic charges to
give a visual indication of a kill with smoke. The UTS is configurable and the vulnerability model
can be adjusted so that any vehicle can be used to simulate a particular form of platform: for
example a lorry can be used to simulate an armoured vehicle by adjusting the protection levels.
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A Wireless Target System detector (left) and a Room Association Device (right) used in the British
Army MOUT training complex at Copehill Down on Salisbury Plain. (Giles Ebbutt)
1630195
A basic fighting vehicle system typically consists of the BT 46 transmitter, a Modular Vehicle
Interface (MVI), a UTS, and a control panel for the user interface and simulated ammunition
selection.
The configuration can be tailored according to customer need. For example, the latest version of
the system - which is being supplied to Norway for the CV9040 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV)
under a contract worth SEK142 million (USD16.4 million) awarded in August 2014 - includes two
independent laser systems, one for the main armament and one for the RCWS, and an improved
TBOS, which provides text messages in the optical sight.
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Abrams and Bradley vehicles fitted with CV TESS equipment. (Saab)
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When a dismount enters a vehicle or bunker wearing a PDD, the wearer is 'associated' so that the
level of protection afforded is recognised; the dismount is also visualised in the communications
system to exercise control (EXCON) as being inside. Should the host vehicle or bunker be seriously
damaged by an engagement or improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the blast effect is transmitted
to the PDD, resulting in a simulated wound or kill. This capability provides even greater battlefield
realism: if a PDD wearer is next to an armoured vehicle which is hit, the PDD will react to reflect
the likely effect of being near to the impact.
A key part of the TES ensemble is the Controller Gun (CG) or 'God-gun', the device used by
Observer/Controllers (O/C) to kill, resurrect or time-tag exercise players. The gun can also be used
to configure the vulnerability of PDD and vehicle/bunker target systems.
Another capability is a medical treatment simulator that medical personnel can use to discover the
type of 'injury' that has been sustained by a casualty. If the right treatment procedure is carried
out an O/C can then 'stabilise' the casualty with his control gun, giving the time for survival
commensurate with the injury, all of which is recorded. There is a sophisticated version which
includes the monitoring of supplies used by medical personnel.
While the laser transmitter and detector system is fundamental to establishing the outcome of
force-on-force engagements, it is the ability to track, record, and analyse every aspect of these
engagements that provides the most training value from the system. This is achieved by providing
every player and vehicle with a data communications terminal and tracking their movements and
activity using GPS and the communications network.
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The BT 46 on a 0.50 calibre HMG. The BT 46 is located on the left of the weapon, with the TBOS
on the top at the back. (Giles Ebbutt)
1630193
The most recent version of Saab's PDD includes different instrumentation configuration levels.
First shown publicly at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference
(I/ITSEC) in late 2012, it has selectable configurations to provide different levels of tracking and
response. All have new detectors with a wider field of detection, thus removing the need for the
harness shoulder sections, and there is a single 360° detector mounted on the top of the helmet,
removing the need for the earlier 'halo' design.
The basic PDD configuration provides a simple detector harness with a single electronic control
box powered by one AA battery. Its integrated GPS provides only time synchronisation but no
positional data and there is no real-time tracking. The medium configuration includes locational
information, which can be subsequently extracted for AAR.
A zip-on instrumentation kit has been developed which can either be added to the basic
configuration or used on its own. This provides communications for use in instrumented training
areas and improved GPS, which provides accurate real-time locational data. This kit can be used
on its own for tracking during live-fire exercises, or combined with the basic set to form the
advanced configuration, which provides capabilities for use on a fully instrumented training area
with 3-D AAR facilities.
Like earlier versions, the PDD records all the user's activity and transmits it via EXCON. The
communications system, which can either be fixed or mobile, is a network operating with a 5.4-5.7
GHz microwave link. Each instrumented entity - vehicle, individual, or structure - is linked to the
network. If communications are lost the entity retains track and activity data until contact is
regained, when it uploads the backlog.
The instrumentation can also include a streaming video system with cameras mounted on masts,
trees, or in buildings that transmit live imagery of activity back to EXCON, and this can be
supplemented by GPS time-stamped handheld video footage from O/Cs who accompany the
players. This is particularly valuable for the AAR, notably for events such as interaction with local
civilians where attitude and body language can be important.
Saab has standardised its instrumentation into different levels of capability under its GAMER
brand. GAMER fixed systems are specific to individual CTCs. The GAMER Mobile system is ISOshelter based. Covering an area up to 800 km², it can handle at least 5,000 instrumented players
and can include remote training sites via 3G or satellite communications bridges, as well as can be
integrated with operational battle management systems (BMS).
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The GAMER DITS PBS. (Giles Ebbutt)
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The GAMER Deployable Instrumented Training System (DITS) supports up to 1,500 players
(depending on software licence level). The data communications network is provided by Portable
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Base Stations (PBS) that have a typical propagation radius of 8 km, although 20 km can be
achieved in perfect conditions. A number of PBSs can be linked to provide greater coverage, but
the limit of player entities remains the same.
At the lowest level is the GAMER Manpack, which is a small-scale version with a ruggedised laptop
used to provide EXCON, intended for small-scale training. Earlier versions supported up to 60
instrumented entities with a communications radius of 1-3 km to personnel and 3-4 km to
vehicles. However, in late 2014 Saab launched a new version, the GAMER ManPack 300, which
can accommodate up to 300 entities.
The system consists of a single small basestation in a transit case, weighing less than 13 kg
including batteries, and controlled by a ruggedised laptop. When stationary and connected to a
portable mast it can provide coverage of a training area 6 km in diameter. If installed in a vehicle
with an integral antenna this is reduced to 4 km diameter. The basestation has a battery life of
about eight hours, but it can also be powered from vehicle batteries or the mains.
The system operates in the 320-380 MHz frequency band with a normal update rate of player or
entity position and status of typically less than five seconds. The system can be used as an
extension node within an existing static CTC using a variety of communications modes including
satellite or 3G, enabling training to take place detached from the CTC but remain part of an
overall exercise. Several ManPack 300 systems can be networked to form a larger system.
The first customer for the GAMER ManPack 300 will be the Finnish Army, which awarded a
contract worth SEK360 million to Saab in March 2014 for an upgrade and expansion to its existing
mobile Kaksipuolisen Taistelun Simulointijärjestelmän (KASI) system. Six ManPack 300 systems
will be delivered by 2016. The upgrade also includes the new PDD and conversion to the OSAG
2.0 laser code.
The EXCON analysis provides a detailed record - which can be displayed in 3-D - of the movement
and actions of every instrumented entity, including shots fired and the results of those actions. All
activity is time-stamped. This can be supplemented by imagery and timed recordings of tactical
communications traffic where this is available.
The result is that the analysts can produce a graphically illustrated account of exactly what
happened in any phase of activity: exactly where everyone was at any moment; who fired what at
whom and to what effect; what orders were given and what reports received; and what casualty
levels were sustained and, if being exercised, how long it took for them to be evacuated. It is
even possible to instrument ammunition or equipment resupply in order to track its progress,
analyse performance, and identify delays and bottlenecks in this mundane but vital area.
This can be presented not only to commanders at all levels but also to individual exercise
participants; it removes all argument as to what happened and provides an unequivocal basis for
identifying areas of strength and weakness. Mistakes are there for all to see, but the British Army's
experience is that honest acknowledgement of these tends to strengthen team spirit rather than
detract from it. It also heightens competition among soldiers to navigate and shoot accurately.
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A screen shot from the Saab EXCON software showing the integrated CBRN capability using
Argon PlumeSim with 2-D hazard and individual personnel state. (Saab)
1426155
Instrumentation also permits the realistic introduction of other battlefield effects. A recent
development has been the addition of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN)
capabilities. Using the data communications system, EXCON can designate a specific area as
subject to a particular CBRN environment and the system tracks personnel as they enter this area.
The latest version of the PDD is designed to interface with a simulated protective mask filter and
also to react to simulated medical treatment delivered by a handheld simulator. If the protective
mask is fitted correctly in response to a simulated chemical attack, a sensor detects the user's
breathing and transmits this to the PDD to maintain the 'alive' status. If not, the PDD will react to
the range of possible agents according to a predetermined vulnerability list.
The protective clothing worn by a player is also electronically assigned to the PDD, so that
decontamination actions can be registered using an O/C's control gun. Saab has worked closely
with Argon Electronics, the CBRN training company, in developing the capability. It is integrated
with Argon's PlumeSim wide area CBRN field training system, and can also be used with Argon's
simulated detection equipment.
Beyond this, the detection of and defence against IEDs is now an important element in live
training. Saab has developed its Multi Detector Simulator (MDS), a programmable device that can
be clipped to a detector such as the Vallon used by the British Army and others. This has a
wireless link to the PDD in the same fashion as the SAT. The MDS monitors the actions of the
detector user, recording sweep (speed), swoop (the angle of the detector head), and height off
the ground. The MDS can be programmed according to the required parameters.
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The MDS provides a traffic light-based display of effective performance in EXCON, with the rate of
advance calculated by GPS. It shows up as a 'snail trail' with green, amber and red elements
according to the effectiveness of the searching technique.
Simulated IEDs can be instrumented and triggered via the wireless signal from an entity - either a
vehicle or an individual - and will have an appropriate effect on that entity according to the nature
of the IED and the protection level of the entity. Booby traps, suicide vests, and wire-initiated
IEDs will also have a similar effect, although they are not instrumented.
The effect of an IED jammer can also be simulated by EXCON designating the protective 'bubble'
this provides, which prevents instrumented IEDs from initiating. The 'bubble' and the positions of
those within it can be shown graphically in the AAR, illustrating where the correct positioning to
take advantage of the jammer's protection is being adopted and where it is not.
Saab has developed specific accessories to support live training for Military Operations in Urban
Terrain (MOUT) and to enable a seamless translation from training in open country to urban
operations. An important part of the process is constructing a 3-D representation of the buildings
to be instrumented for use by EXCON and to support vulnerability and effects calculations. All the
equipment is easily deployable; constructing the 3-D representation is the most time-consuming
element.
The production version of Saab's ATES C-IED Vallon handheld mine detector training sensor, in
use with the British Army. (Saab)
1405364
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To overcome the loss of GPS tracking when individuals are inside buildings, Room Association
Devices (RAD) are used. These can be easily fixed to walls with their location noted on the EXCON
model. These provide a wireless association to the PDD, so that an individual's progress can be
tracked through the building. They are also installed at the likely entrances to a building to track
the initial entry. The Structure Information Device (SID) transmits the building configuration
details to the PDD.
The Structure Effects Simulator (SES) provides the 'shoot through wall' effect. When initiated by
direct fire from outside the building, it calculates and distributes casualties within, depending on
the wall structure and the type of ammunition. Casualties are evaluated according to their location
in relation to the impact, with primary effects in the immediate vicinity and secondary effects with less serious casualties - in adjoining rooms. The SES is configurable for different types of
building and construction, and can be interfaced for pyrotechnics or other battlefield effects.
The Building Effects Generator (BEG) provides a range of battlefield effects, including up to 50
different audio cues, smells, explosions, flashing lights, and smoke.
Saab has also incorporated fragmentation and stun hand grenades using a 0.8 g Chemring
pyrotechnic charge that is safe at a radius of 10 cm. When the grenade explodes it transmits a
signal to the PDDs within the effective range. This has been supplied to the Swedish Army for its
Urban Operations Training System.
MOUT is manpower intensive and providing realistic levels of opposition for force-on-force training
places a heavy demand for manpower resources as defenders. One solution to this is to provide
reactive targets, equipped with laser detectors to respond to 'fire'. These targets can also have a
shoot-back system which will transmit laser fire.
Screenshot from the EXCON software during a British Army exercise using the DFWES in Kenya.
Individual personnel and vehicles are tracked. Note the line denoting fire on the bunker in the
bottom left of the screen. (Saab)
1630196
The United States and the United Kingdom are Saab's biggest customers. The UK has been using
the equipment on Salisbury Plain, at Sennelager in Germany, and at Suffield in Canada since 1994.
In Kenya, Saab provides a fully managed service for the British Army to support seven exercises a
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year at light battlegroup level with the Deployable Tactical Engagement System (DTES), based on
the Gamer DITS. Saab provides and maintains the DTES to a contracted level of availability and
also provides all the EXCON staff and analysts.
Saab has been supplying the equipment to the US military since the late 1980s, and it has been
successful in securing several major contracts recently. In 2009 it won a USMC contract for the
first phase of the Instrumented-Tactical Engagement Simulation System (I-TESS), consisting of 10
DITS including EXCON, over 2,000 infantry systems, over 200 vehicle systems, 200 MOUT
systems, and 500 targets.
In early 2012 Saab was awarded a contract for the US Army Combat Vehicle Tactical Engagement
Simulation System (CV TESS) to equip Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs), Bradley IFVs, and
OPFOR vehicles. The contract is for up to 4,000 systems. CV TESS is a one-way system consisting
of generic equipment including wireless detector units, a vehicle kill indicator, a long-range laser
transmitter, a vehicle interface, and a control module; and vehicle specific kit for the Abrams and
Bradley, including an additional transmitter for the Bradley TOW.
The instrumentation and communications capability was used to meet a contract awarded in 2011
by the US Army for the Live Training Transformation Interim Range System (LT2-IRS)
programme. This consists of deployable communication trailers and player units that will
instrument legacy MILES soldier and vehicle simulators. Each system can cover a 400 km 2
training area, scalable up to 800 km 2 , and each communications trailer can handle up to 7,000
entities.
While these may be the most significant customers, Saab's TES equipment is also widely used in
Europe, as well in Brazil and Chile. The latter has two fixed GAMER systems.
INTEROPERABILITY: EXERCISE 'NOBLE LEDGER'Exercise 'Noble Ledger' was a NATO
Response Force (NRF) 2015 Land Component Command exercise designed to confirm the
formation's interoperability and confirm its readiness. It consisted of a combined Command Post
Exercise in Germany and a Field Training Exercise (FTX) in Norway in the vicinity of Terningmoen,
Rena Leir, and the surrounding area.
The formation was commanded by Headquarters (HQ) 1 GE/NL Corps and six battlegroups from
Norway, the Netherlands (NL), Denmark and Germany participated. Over 2,500 personnel and
vehicles were equipped with laser simulators and used the OSAG 2.0 code. Some, but not all of
this was Saab equipment, either from participants' own holdings or leased for the exercise from
Saab. German troops used the Ausbildungsgerät Duellsimulator (AGDUS) equipment supplied by
Rheinmetall.
Saab was contracted to provide the instrumentation and ensure the interoperability of the
participants' TES systems. It provided the instrumentation communications network for the FTX,
which required 1,600 km² coverage for soldier systems and 2,200 km² for vehicle systems. This
needed 10 radio basestations and was achieved by using the portable basestations from the NL
Mobile CTC, the Norwegian Army CTC fixed infrastructure including its fibre backbone, and an
additional PBS supplied by Saab. The system was configured for multiple EXCONs and AAR
facilities in the field. The network and the EXCON software were able to handle up to 3,000
players.
For the force-on-force events, the common OSAG 2.0 code worked well, with effective interaction
regardless of which TES equipment was in use. However, the German AGDUS equipment could
not be tracked by the Saab instrumentation and was therefore not visible to EXCON. This was
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overcome by instrumenting German command-and-control vehicles and commanders with vests
from the MCTC, enabling forces to be aggregated and tracked in EXCON and for AAR. Although
this meant that for engagements between Saab-equipped and AGDUS-equipped troops AGDUS
firelines and individual soldiers were not visible, in the context of the exercise and the level of
command and AAR involved this was not significant.
The value of integrating the TES equipment for such a large-scale exercise was summarised by
Colonel R de Jong, the exercise director: "The advantages with instrumented training were
threefold. First of all we had a 'real fight' between the parties without interference by referees.
Secondly, it supported the OTE-personnel [Observer/Trainer/Evaluator] in the execution of their
job by presenting and recording the fight on their laptop. Last, but certainly not least, since the
area-wide picture was presented on a big screen in our operations room, I had an outstanding
Situational Awareness. I can't imagine an exercise on this scale without using integrated
simulation systems."
COMMENT
Saab is not the only manufacturer producing TES equipment. In the US, Lockheed Martin, and
particularly Cubic Defense Applications are the major players, with substantial domestic and
overseas contracts. Most recently Cubic seems to have emerged as Saab's major competitor in the
US, winning the second phase of the USMC I-TESS programme. However, the two work together
in the UK where both sets of equipment are in use on the Salisbury Plain Training Area.
Rheinmetall is the main supplier for the German Army and has recently rebranded its entire TES
equipment range under the Legatus name. It won the contract for the provision of CTC equipment
in the UAE, which includes fixed, mobile, and MOUT facilities. It had also been in the middle of
developing a major facility for the Russian Army at Mulino, which could have led to contracts for
further similar CTCs elsewhere in Russia, when the situation in the Crimea and Eastern Ukraine
brought the programme to an abrupt halt.
Switzerland's RUAG has been its main domestic supplier for some time for both fixed CTC and
MOUT equipment. It has recently developed a new version, Gladiator, as well as a mobile CTC
with different ranges and capacities. There are also a number of other smaller players in the
market, both in the US and Europe.
There is likely to be fierce competition in India soon, where Zen Technologies is the domestic
incumbent but which lacks the experience of some of the international competition. And a
competition for an additional major MOUT facility in the UAE is still in progress.
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