USMC adds to Saab's tactical engagement simulation system contract

USMC personnel conduct military operations in urban terrain training equipped with the latest version of Saab's GAMER tactical engagement simulation system equipment, the same is being supplied under the FoFTS-Next contract. Note the sensor over the doorway that tracks the entrance of individuals into the building. (Saab)

The US Marine Corps (USMC) has awarded Saab Inc a contract modification within the Force on Force Training Systems – Next (FoFTS-Next) programme, the company announced in March.

The contract, which is worth approximately USD122 million, modifies the initial undefinitised single award task order contract (SATOC) that was awarded in June 2021 and valued at USD54 million. At that stage, the potential total value was USD127.9 million. This latest modification increases the potential total value to USD248 million.

Under the FoFTS-Next programme, Saab will supply its latest GAMER laser-based tactical engagement simulation system (TESS), which will include instrumentation equipment – known as the Marine Corps Training Instrumentation System (MCTIS) in USMC service – and logistic and training exercise support. The system is planned to be fielded between 2023 and 2026 at USMC bases in California, Guam, Hawaii, Japan, North Carolina, and Virginia.

FoFTS-Next will replace the USMC's Instrumentation and Tactical Engagement Simulation System (ITESS) equipment, which has two elements. ITESS-I was supplied by Saab and ITESS-II by Cubic. Hans Lindgren, head of business development for Saab's training and simulation unit, told Janes that the initial contract was awarded after a competitive process that included comparative trials between the solutions offered by Saab and Cubic, the other bidder.