CAE awarded $50M contract to provide innovative platform and systems training for the RAN

CAE Australia Pty Ltd. has been awarded the five-year, $50 million Platforms and Systems Training Contract (PSTC) by the Royal Australian Navy to deliver improved quality, efficiency, modernisation, and remote capability in training.

Under the agreement CAE Australia will support the transformation of future training delivered to mariners across the Canberra-class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), Hobart-class Destroyer (DDG), Supply -cass Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher (AOR) and Huon-class Minehunter Coastal (MHC). CAE’s innovative solution will enable the Royal Australian Navy to accelerate training throughput and enhance delivery of sustainable distributed training – on-site, in port, and at sea.

Australia needs to develop and grow a larger high-skilled workforce to generate Navy’s combat edge, and ultimately enhance the nation’s security, said Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite. “Once fully underway, this contract will deliver nearly 17,000 hours of training annually to over 2,000 officers and sailors. This contract will help Navy to embrace new futures through the use of AI, virtual and synthetic training environments and machine learning.”

CAE Australia will leverage the expertise of Australian Industry partners Navantia Australia, UNSW, 3by3 Solutions, and MMCLD to present a diverse, innovative, and enduring enhancement to naval technical training. CAE’s training systems integration will align the training program, assets, and operations to ensure 110+ foundation, operator, and maintainer courses are delivered efficiently and effectively, whilst innovation opportunities are explored and developed.

“The Royal Australian Navy has developed the Navy Mastery Model to shape the process of learning for future mariners, enabling them to achieve competency and to fight and win at sea,” said Matthew Sibree, Managing Director, Indo-Pacific, CAE Australia Pty Ltd. “CAE is privileged to be contributing to Maritime, Social, and Technical Mastery through the delivery of the Platforms and Systems Training Contract. Together with our team of partners, we are empowering the next generation of mariners through professional training supported by a vision to increase agility and efficiency.”

As the prime contractor leading the program, CAE Australia is leveraging experience in training military aircrews and mariners worldwide. CAE currently supports training of the United States Navy in multiple naval aircraft platforms, bridge training for the Littoral Combat Ships, and the US Army Maritime Integrated Training System (MITS).

“This contract will help ensure Navy’s people receive advanced training to help them master the knowledge and skills they need to prevail at sea,” said Minister Thistlethwaite, who made the announcement.

“They will use simulators to build up their knowledge of communications equipment, engines and sensors. By the time they go to sea and get their hands on the real thing, they will know how to get the best out of this complex technology. And importantly, they will know how to operate these systems safely.

“But as important as advanced weapon systems are, the greatest technology in the world is nothing without people – because great people create real capability,” he added.

“Moreover, one hundred per cent of the baseline training delivery will be provided by Australian industry. At least 95 per cent of the second-stage ‘Innovation and Continuous Improvement’ initiatives will be designed, developed and delivered by Australian industry.”