Realistic simulations in upgraded Thales military training center
The tools use AI and VR for terrain analysis applications, ensuring troops are better prepared for complex missions.
Published on May 5, 2025
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Thales is set to modernize the Royal Netherlands Army's TACTIS training center. With the implementation of Unreal Engine 5, Thales aims to create an ultra-realistic training environment that prepares soldiers for modern combat conditions, including urban warfare. The simulation of more than 20 new vehicles, including the advanced CV90 MkIV, stands out in particular. The center enables 76 simulators to practice large-scale missions with 200 people and can support 2,500 virtual units. The mobile application of TACTIS also makes it possible to conduct training outside barracks.
The collaboration between Thales and the Dutch Ministry of Defense has resulted in a strategic renewal of the Royal Netherlands Army's TACTIS training center, Thales announced in a press release. This modernization includes a significant expansion of the number of simulated vehicles. By using Unreal Engine 5, Thales is taking the realism of training to a level necessary to prepare military units for today's threats, such as urban warfare scenarios. The virtual environment, designed by Thales, uses artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms for terrain analysis applications, ensuring that troops are better prepared for complex missions.
Tactical advantages
The upgraded facilities at TACTIS enable troops to conduct effective tactical exercises that dramatically improve operational readiness. The integration of 76 simulators makes it possible to simulate large-scale missions involving up to 200 military personnel and 2,500 virtual units. This setup promotes a multidimensional training experience in which different armed forces can be practiced in a combined weapons environment. TACTIS's mobile deployability also means that the training facilities are not limited to military bases but can also be used elsewhere, further enhancing the flexibility and scope of these feasible exercises.
The collaboration between Thales and the Dutch Ministry of Defense dates back more than a century. With a presence in more than 68 countries and over 83,000 employees, Thales invests more than €4 billion annually in research and development, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies. This strategy enables Thales to provide effective technological solutions for military and civil purposes. The emphasis on high-tech simulations and virtual reality (VR) focuses on the latest technological developments.
