NEWTOWN, Conn. - Specialist simulator company ThoroughTec will be supplying simulators for four versions of the South African Army's new Badger infantry fighting vehicles. ThoroughTec has provided Patria driver training systems for Sweden and Croatia, giving it useful experience for the Badger, which is based on the Finnish Patria design.
ThoroughTec has previously worked with the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) supplying all South African Army driver trainers including for the Ratel ZT-3, Rooikat, Casspir, Olifant, Mamba and Army trucks and cars.
The SANDF's new Badger eight-wheel-drive infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) will begin production in 2016. The first vehicular prototypes were tested in July at company ranges and SANDF combat training centers in the Northern Cape desert. According to Denel Land Systems (DLS) CEO Stephan Burger, the results were positive and serial production is expected to start in July 2016 following the conclusion of operational testing and evaluation phases.
South African officials said the Badger IFV program is a key element of its planned military operations, including peacekeeping, deterrence and United Nations-authorized offensive operations across Africa.