BAE Systems has been chosen to serve as a prime contractor on Lot 1 of the US Army’s $2.4bn National Cyber Range (NCR) Complex Event Planning, Operations, and Support hybrid contract.

Under the ten-year indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) multiple-award contract, BAE will compete for orders in systems testing, cybersecurity integration, range support services, and workforce training.

To operate successfully within a modern battlefield, combat troops require ‘cyber-hardened weapons’ and cyber training.

BAE noted that it will plan and undertake large-scale and multi-site cyber testing, assessment, and training events.

The company plans to use its digital engineering and model-based systems engineering approaches to allow the US Army to quickly track and mitigate cyber risks.

BAE Systems Integrated Defense Solutions business vice-president and general manager Lisa Hand said: “We look forward to harnessing our digital engineering expertise in integration and testing holistic cyber range environments, as well as training warfighters to operate in highly complex, challenging environments.

“Our experience in weapon systems, cyber-hardening, cybersecurity, and risk mitigation applications will better prepare warfighters for the future battlefield.”

Recently, BAE Systems agreed to purchase US-based software company Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) for an undisclosed sum.

The closure of this deal is subject to the approval of regulatory authorities.