The Bundeswehr has Rheinmetall with the delivery of VTAM training simulators (VTAM = Distributed Training Architecture of the Navy). According to the German armaments company, the order volume is in the “mid double-digit million euro range, the project was launched in January 2025 and is scheduled to run for a period of four years.
VTAM is a networked simulation-based operational training solution for the German Navy. Rheinmetall Electronic Solutions GmbH is supplying hardware and software modules to six locations and putting them into operation.
“With VTAM, a simulation for the interaction of the external and internal combat of a warship (weapons deployment and damage control) is being introduced into the German Navy for the first time,” according to a recent Rheinmetall statement. “This will create a wide range of training and exercise opportunities in the future to train crews of ships, boats and flying units together in a virtual scenario.”
The new systems will also enable networking in the dimensions of “simulation”, “tactical data links”, “voice communication” and “web services” for simulation-based exercises between six naval bases and with NATO partners.
In addition, the new system at the Rostock-Warnemünde and Wilhelmshaven bases will also enable the connection of corvettes and frigates so that crews on board can also take part in joint exercises. The Distributed Training Center (DTC) located at the Naval Support Command Wilhelmshaven will coordinate and monitor the technical networking and exercise processes in future.
At the Rostock-Warnemünde and Wilhelmshaven bases, corvettes and frigates will be able to take part in exercises in port using radio and tactical data link components. This “Total Ship Training” solution is based on the Naval Mission Training Center delivered by Rheinmetall in 2023 for an export customer. In addition to 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 picture information. This allows the crews to take part in a networked virtual exercise using their on-board systems.
In addition to the training and simulation landscape already created by Rheinmetall, VTAM is of strategic importance, as Rheinmetall is now equipping the operational training centers at the bases in addition to the school landscape in order to offer the German Navy consistent, networked and modern training and exercises.
Here for further reports about Rheinmetall and here to further reports on the Bundeswehr.
