Rheinmetall wins deal for German Navy simulation training systems

The Bundeswehr has commissioned the Düsseldorf-based technology corporation Rheinmetall to supply training simulators called Distributed Naval Training Architecture / Verteilte Trainingsarchitektur der Marine (VTAM). The order, worth a mid-double digit million Euro sum, was signed in December 2024 and booked in the same month. The project, which began in January 2025, will run for four years. VTAM is a networked simulation-based operational training solution for the German Navy. For this purpose, Rheinmetall Electronic Solutions GmbH is supplying, and taking into operation hardware and software modules at six German Naval bases. VTAM is the first simulation of its kind to be introduced into the German Navy, simulating the interaction between the external and internal combat schemes of a warship (weapons deployment and damage control). This will create a wide range of training and exercise options in the future, enabling crews of vessels, boats and aviation units to be trained together in a virtual scenario. The new systems will enable networking in the dimensions of ‘simulation’, ‘tactical data links’, ‘voice communication’ and ‘web services’ for simulation-based exercises between six German Naval bases and with NATO partners. The VTAM systems to be established in Wilhelmshaven, Rostock-Warnemünde, Bremerhaven, Eckernförde, Kiel and Nordholz will make it possible to connect existing or future simulation systems and on-shore facilities to the training architecture, thus ensuring participation in joint exercise scenarios. In addition, the new system enables the integration of corvettes and frigates at the bases in Rostock-Warnemünde and Wilhelmshaven, so that crews on board can also take part in joint exercises. The Distributed Training Center (DTC), which is based at the Naval Support Command in Wilhelmshaven, will coordinate and monitor the technical networking and training procedures in the future. At the bases in Rostock-Warnemünde and Wilhelmshaven, mooring corvettes and frigates participating in exercises can be observed via radio and tactical data link components. This ‘total ship training’ solution is based on the Naval Mission Training Center which Rheinmetall delivered to an export customer in 2023. Besides the simulation, other core elements include the integration of corvettes and frigates using radio systems for voice communication and tactical data links for exchanging situation awareness data. This enables the crews to participate in a networked virtual exercise using their on-board systems. Within the training and simulation scope already produced by Rheinmetall, VTAM has a strategic significance due to the fact that not only the training facilities, but especially the operational training centres at the bases are now being equipped by Rheinmetall. Through this, the German Navy is now being offered a comprehensive, networked and modern training and exercise support. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]