Rheinmetall has laid the technical foundations for networked exercise and training operations for the Bundeswehr involving the forces in Lithuania.
The basis for this was the already established and proven live simulation technology from the Army Combat Training Center in Letzlingen/ Altmark. The Group carried out a successful test of the data and radio connections between the two countries on behalf of the Bundeswehr with its Mobile Combat Training Center (MCTC) “Legatus”. Mobile container solutions were used in Lithuania and Germany.
The simulation technologies at the MCTC make it possible to realistically depict complex deployment scenarios. The aim was to create and operate a fully comprehensive link between Germany and Lithuania using state-of-the-art live simulation. The project relied on the resources of the Combat Training Center in the reachback procedure (service/evaluation). The successful test thus aimed to support the forces of the Bundeswehr directly on the eastern flank of NATO.
Almost all of the technical functional chains established at the German Army’s Combat Training Center, including the mapping of artillery and engineer support capabilities, were available for the project carried out in November 2024.
From the individual infantry and vehicle technology (AGDUS) to operational coordination via troop radio (VHF) and the live situation map within the evaluation center (EXCON) to the input of exercise support options, almost all tests have been successfully completed. The aim was to simulate the technical solutions for the troops in Lithuania as realistically as possible in order to create optimum training conditions and prepare the German armed forces in the best possible way. The aim of the test was to make the globally unique, high-quality and proven training standard available in Lithuania.
The tested functions were demonstrated for the first time using the so-called reachback method, in which the Army Combat Training Center in Letzlingen was connected to the mobile system in Lithuania in real time via the system.
The Bundeswehr evaluation personnel stationed in Germany were thus able to participate live and interactively in the exercise and prepare the subsequent after-action reviews in parallel. This approach makes it possible to make optimum use of the personnel resources already available for conducting and evaluating the exercise.
Thanks to precise real-time analysis and immersive simulation, military users can learn directly from their experiences and continuously improve their tactical capabilities.
“Rheinmetall is helping to ensure that our soldiers are optimally trained for the challenges of today and tomorrow. We are proud to be part of this trial and to be shaping the future of training technology together with our partners. The advantage is that the system technology already introduced in the GefÜbZH is available on the market and can therefore be deployed quickly in Lithuania,” explains Maik Nienaber, Head of System Technology Networked Training Systems.
“The activation test was an important milestone in examining how the forces stationed in Lithuania can be supported with state-of-the-art live simulation technology in the future. The aim must be to create optimal conditions for the effective training of these forces.”
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Engel, Head of the Army Combat Training Center Basics Group, explains: “The quality of the training and the technologies used at the Army Combat Training Center is world-leading. The successfully tested reachback function has proven that it is also possible to draw on the resources and expertise of the Combat Training Center for the training of forces stationed on NATO’s eastern flank.”
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