Bern, -- RUAG, in collaboration with its local partner, GAVAP, has been awarded a contract by the French MoD for the delivery of a total of 48 tactical simulators for the new VBCI (Vehicule Blinde de Combat d'Infanterie) Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

This major contract, worth over 30 million Euro, solidly places RUAG in the French market, which it first entered two years ago with a successful bid for the delivery of 4300 weapon infantry laser tactical effects simulation systems.

RUAG and GAVAP beat strong international competition to win the contract, competition which included the traditional simulation suppliers to the French Army. The project, called STES (Simulateurs de Tir d'Equipage et de Section) includes the development and production of 48 simulators with instructor stations, as well as the maintenance and construction of ten standard buildings in which the simulators are to be installed. The contract runs into 2015, with deliveries of the first simulators due in 15 months.