Thomson-CSF is to acquire Australian simulation firm Wormald Technology, as part of moves to secure a strategic foothold with which to contest increasing Australian Defence Force requirements for computer-based training and mission rehearsal systems.
The acquisition, which was announced on 13 October, will see the French company take over the prime contractorship for the development of the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) flight and mission simulators for its upgraded Lockheed AP-3C maritime patrol aircraft. That contract, which is worth A$37.7 million ($22.5 million), was awarded in late July to Wormald parent company Tyco Australia, with UK-based Thomson Training and Simulation as a teaming partner.
Wormald is also the prime contractor for the RAAF's F-111C mission simulator, with that contract including through-life support to 2020.
Wormald had earlier this year been the subject of an attempted take-over by the Australia-based Adacel Technologies, itself formerly part owned by the Thomson Group until 1996.
Source: Flight International
