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Thales’ Lithgow Arms has confirmed the release of the next generation of future soldier weapons systems for the Australian Defence Force, which will provide an “enduring battlefield overmatch”.
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The digitised battlespace will require a fundamental technology leap to ensure Australian soldiers maintain a capability edge against emerging threats.
This future weapon system is an evolution of the individual weapon and will provide soldiers with an enduring battlefield overmatch for Australian Defence Force personnel.
In order to maintain a capability advantage for Australia’s Defence Forces, the soldier systems of the future will integrate disruptive digital technologies, advanced sensor and targeting equipment and networked communications.
Chris Jenkins, CEO of Thales Australia, said, "Rapid advances in digital technology bring increasing threats as well as new capabilities. Thales’ future weapon system accelerates the development process for an era of networked warfare."
Drawing together advanced manufacturing techniques and materials, Thales’ advanced future soldier weapon system will integrate:
- cutting-edge sensors and targeting systems;
- biometric security safeguards;
- tactical network links to enable collaborative engagement; and
- enhanced command, control and situational awareness for both individual soldiers and commanders.
Thales’ Lithgow Arms manufacturing facility has been supporting Australia’s soldiers on battlefields around the world since 1912. The future advanced individual weapon system will continue this heritage of manufacturing the world’s most advance systems as the battlespace becomes more digitised and networked.
Building on this century of sovereign capability, Thales’ development of the future soldier weapon system is undertaken in Lithgow, NSW and aligns with the Australian government’s recognition that the research, design, development and manufacture of small arms is a priority sovereign industrial capability.
Thales in Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management and ground transport systems to security systems and services.
Employing around 3,900 people, Thales in Australia recorded revenues of more than $1.4 billion in 2018 and export revenue of over $1.6 billion in the past 10 years.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
