Saab extends TESS capabilities

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.

Lara said the original contract was for 10 battalion sets with a total eventual requirement of 16, but he anticipated that this was likely to grow to include additional combat units other than infantry battalions. Requirements for vehicle kits would be the subject of an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract, and there would also be a requirement for surrogate crew-served and indirect fire weapons.

He added that the US Army National Guard (ANG) in West Virginia and Mississippi had conducted trials with Saab TESS equipment for home station use and observed that the ANG market was potentially considerable.