Army to get enhanced IT equipment

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

A contract for a key part of the Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) programme has been awarded.

In a £150m deal, Thales UK will deliver the Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) package. It is hoped the new package will increase troops' ability to detect and target enemies.

New thermal sights will allow soldiers to conduct surveillance and engage targets in all weather and light levels, including zero light where normal night sights would be rendered ineffective. Thermal imaging has the added benefits of improving the ability to see through optical camouflage; it will also enhance the soldiers' ability to conduct low level change recognition of tell tale thermal signatures of concealed weapons and IEDs.

Speaking at the defence industry conference DSEi, defence minister Quentin Davies said: "The new kit that we have ordered will significantly increase the combat effectiveness of the British infantryman.

"The MoD is committed to equipping our frontline troops with the best equipment we can by using the latest technological advances."

Colonel Bill Pointing, team leader of Dismounted Soldier Solutions at Defence Equipment and Support added: "This is a key step in giving the dismounted soldier the equipment that he needs, both for current operations and to support training before deployment."

Deliveries of the new kit will begin at the end of 2010 and the first equipment will be given to troops for training, prior to being deployed to Afghanistan, in early 2011.