§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the Army's requirement for a combined arms tactical trainer. [8449]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotA contract has been awarded to Lockheed-Martin Information Systems for two combined arms tactical trainers—CATT—to meet the Army's requirement for a new training simulation system. Lockheed-Martin was selected as the prime contractor following a full evaluation of the procurement options. The company has gained considerable experience of such systems through its development of the US Army's close combat tactical trainer. The contract, supported by a memorandum of understanding between my Department and the US Department of Defence, provides for substantial UK industrial involvement in high-quality work. GEC Marconi has been selected by Lockheed-Martin as its lead United Kingdom partner. It is planned that the British company will take over as prime contractor from 2003. The award of the CATT contract will initially sustain or create about 90 jobs ma)inly at GEC Marconi at Donnibristle, Fife. Further jobs will be created in the United Kingdom when CATT enters its production phase.