Thales Contracted For Dutch Army Indoor Vehicle Simulator Upgrades
The Netherlands’ Materiel and IT Command has signed a contract with Thales for the upgrading of the Royal Netherlands Army’s TACTIS (Tactical Indoor Simulator) armored vehicle simulators.
Modernization of the simulator will include the simulation of more than 20 new types of vehicles, including the Royal Netherlands Army’s new CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicles, with Thales to cooperate with CV90 manufacturer BAE Hägglunds to deliver high-fidelity simulations of the new vehicle. The modernized training centre will also offer the ability to integrate future weapon systems that will be acquired by the Royal Netherlands Army, such as the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank.
Once upgraded, the TACTIS centre will be capable of interconnecting up to 76 simulators simultaneously, allowing for mission rehearsals with up to 200 crew members. Up to 2,500 virtual entities known as “Computer-Generated Forces” can be added to the simulation, allowing soldiers to conduct exercises in a combined arms environment.
“We are not just modernizing a simulator,” said Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Commander of Command Materiel and IT. “We are reshaping how we train, how we prepare, and how we protect.”
The upgrades will also see the use of Unreal Engine 5 to create the simulator’s training environments, with Thales saying its use allows the creation of ultra-realistic, high-quality training environments that reflect emerging threats like those found in urban warfare. “This cutting-edge technology not only ensures effective learning but also simulates realistic combat conditions, enabling forces to prepare more effectively for contemporary challenges”.
Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice-President, Avionics, Thales said of the contract signing:
“The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has always been a step ahead when it comes to training their forces using simulation. We are honoured that they have renewed their trust in Thales through the modernization of their armoured fighting vehicle training centre ‘TACTIS’. It remains a world-class reference recognised by NATO member countries in Europe. This mid-life upgrade will incorporate Thales’s latest generation of simulation capabilities, offering unmatched immersion and realism to ensure force readiness for increasingly complex missions. This new contract is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and Thales, reinforcing our continued commitment to safeguarding the security and sovereignty of European nations.”