BlueHalo Inks Deal to Provide Dutch Government With Stinger Missile Trainer

Defense solutions company BlueHalo has announced a $30 million contract from the Netherlands Ministry of Defense Materiel and IT Command to deliver an Advanced Stinger Trainer to a Dutch military barracks.

AST is a Man-Portable Air Defense System operator training system that will allow Stinger teams to practice fighting air threats in virtual reality, BlueHalo said Tuesday.

Jonathan Moneymaker, a 4×24 member and past Wash100 winner, described the award as a “significant step” for Dutch air defense and for his company, which he said would continue disrupting the global defense technology market.

In a press release, the company stated that AST can train up to four teams simultaneously in authentic environments with surround sound audio. The system features replica MANPADS weapons, an integrated instructor operator station, and scoring and analysis functions.

According to Jimmy Jenkins, the company’s sector president, the system reduces the need for “costly and logistically complex live fire testing” while enhancing soldier effectiveness with Stinger missiles.