CAE to develop naval training center for UAE Navy

The General Headquarters (GHQ) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces has selected Canadian simulation and training technology provider CAE to develop a comprehensive Naval Training Center (NTC) for the UAE Navy.

The order is part of wider contract signed between the two sides valued at CAD$145 million.

According to CAE, the purpose-built NTC facility will feature a range of integrated ship simulation-based training suites as well as maritime aircraft sensor stations that will be used to deliver training for individuals, command teams, and whole ship crews.

In addition, the overall naval training system for the UAE Navy is being designed for networking and interoperability to enable distributed multi-platform and joint mission training.

The UAE NTC will include whole ship simulation suites for the bridge, combat information center (CIC), and machinery control room (MCR). Naval tactical mission trainers (TMTs) will be reconfigurable for different vessel types, and used to deliver individual training across a range of ship systems and subsystems, including Combat Management Systems, sensor, and weapons systems.

With potential phases, the UAE NTC program could be worth approximately C$450 million over the next 15 years, the Canadian company said.

The UAE Naval Training Center will be located in Taweelah with connectivity to several other naval and air bases throughout the UAE. It is expected to be complete and ready for training by early 2019.

CAE has also established CAE Maritime Middle East LLC to serve as the prime contractor and program management company in Abu Dhabi, UAE.