Sweden explores training potential

Saab Training Systems (STS) showcased a number of new and upgraded capabilities at the 2012 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, Florida, United States, particularly in the area of live and instrumented training.

Just before the show, on 22 November, STS announced it had completed the delivery of the Urban Operational Training System (UOTS) to the Swedish Army's Land Warfare Centre in Kvarn. This is the first instrumented combat training centre (CTC) Saab has supplied to the Swedish Armed Forces (SwAF). It is owned and operated by the SwAF, although STS provides technical support and training.

Claes-Peter Cederlöf, marketing director at STS, told IHS Jane's that he would not be surprised if the SwAF was considering contracting out the operation of the facility and possibly the instruction as well, noting that the former was a business model that was increasingly finding favour, notably in the United Kingdom. The SwAF is also offering the facility for training to other Nordic and Baltic countries, in some cases in return for reciprocal training opportunities.

The fully instrumented 19,000 m² facility includes 54 buildings and more than 1,000 rooms.