Saab has integrated a UAV capability into its instrumentation systems. Pictured is the UAV with Saab's integrated computer card, laser detector from a dismounted harness, and laser small arms transmitter displayed at I/ITSEC 2023. (Giles Ebbutt)

Saab has developed additional capabilities for its live tactical engagement simulation system (TESS) and is eyeing new opportunities both in Europe and elsewhere, company representatives said during a briefing at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2023 in Orlando.

Lou Lara, head of business development for Saab Inc, said the first phase of a contract awarded by the US Marine Corps (USMC) in 2021 was about to go live at the service's Twentynine Palms Base, with one culminating test exercise to be completed. Thereafter, installation will proceed at Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, Kanehoe Bay in Hawaii, and then Okinawa, in that order.

The Airsoft surrogate Glock pistol that Thales Training and Simulation has integrated into its Gladiator laser-based TESS. There are no additional attachments to the basic form factor. (Giles Ebbutt)

Thales Training and Simulation unveiled new capabilities for its live and indoor training systems at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2023 in Orlando.

The main addition to the company's Gladiator tactical engagement simulation system (TESS) is a laser-capable surrogate pistol, enabling those who have a handgun as a primary or secondary weapon to participate fully in live laser-based TESS training. The weapon is integrated into the Gladiator dismounted TESS harness.

Jan Uebersax, head of operational marketing for Thales Training and Simulation, told Janes that a key consideration was that the weapon had no additional attachments so that it can be holstered and used in a natural fashion. The solution integrates the instrumentation electronics, a battery, and a laser projector into an Airsoft pistol and it includes a compressed air-driven recoil simulator.

EW officers monitor a simulated test in the Central Control Facility (CCF) at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The CCF is used to oversee EW mission data flight-testing. Portions of their missions are likely to expand under the new Air Force Cyber Command. (US Air Force)

Members of the trilateral security co-operative between Australia, the UK, and the US (AUKUS) have agreed to kick off collaborative development of advanced combat technologies, with an eye towards commonality and interoperability, beginning with electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.

Consortium members agreed that joint EW technology development would underpin the initial series of AUKUS Innovation Challenges, scheduled to begin in 2024. The EW-focused effort will allow “companies from across our three countries [to] compete for a common innovation challenge ... that will help our warfighters improve interoperability, gain decision advantage, and strengthen our deterrence” in the area of EW, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during a 1 December press conference.