Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • UK military enhancing training through virtual-reality

Defence

UK military enhancing training through virtual-reality

Soldiers, sailors and aviators will race from arctic warfare to fast jet landings thanks to a new virtual reality training system, under a £7.2 million contract secured by Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S).

Image courtesy DE&S

DE&S has secured a £7.2 million contract with Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) to deliver DVS2 – a training environment capable of simulating multiple military environments and operations. Personnel will be able to train anywhere in the world, across multiple terrains and with a range of weapons and equipment.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Front-Line Commands are set to receive the state-of-the art game-based simulation for immersive training opportunities that can be used individually, as a team or for training alongside NATO allies.

The capability will revolutionise training for the armed forces, bringing the forefront of virtual reality innovation to military exercises. DVS2 has already begun its rollout across UK military sites home and abroad supporting existing jobs at BISim.

With over 60 countries using similar or compatible technologies – including 14 NATO allied countries – UK military personnel can train with their peers and other militaries around the world in a secure training network. By using this technology, the Scottish and Northern Irish Yeomanry successfully conducted manoeuvres and Fires training with the Australian Light Cavalry over 9,000 miles away.

DVS2 hosts over 100 training scenarios including:

  • Piloting a fast jet
  • Parachuting into a warzone
  • Supporting humanitarian work from an aircraft carrier
  • Operating weapons, equipment and vehicles
  • Tactical support for an individual
  • First aid training

DVS2 has high flexible networking options for distributed training and integrating with external simulators, such as complex flight or gunnery simulators. This enables trainees to conduct Battlegroup-level training and experimentation events, playing as any type of character with any type of vehicle.

Head of the Solider, Training and Special Projects at DE&S, Nick Taylor, said: “As our Armed Forces evolves so does the nature of the equipment and technology that we provide to them. This virtual training capability will allow for additional, accessible training outside of the more traditional physical operations that our military personnel regularly undertake.”

Users can conduct Dismounted and Mounted training with infantry on the ground, as well as in vehicles and platforms operating weapons, radios and targeting systems and optics.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

The virtual training capabilities can be tailored using the intuitive Editor tool to place buildings, vehicles, infrastructure and objects for users to train and experiment in complex environments, such as in urban warfare or vehicle recognition training as well as offering Virtual Reality training capability.

SO1 Training Capability Strategy, Lieutenant Colonel Jes Giles, said: “The introduction of DVS2 is a significant step forwards as we move to transform Army training; it will deliver a richer and more demanding virtual environment and will enable the exploitation of emerging technology such as Virtual Reality, creating immersive training experiences for soldiers across the spectrum of operations.”

BISim offers training courses and support, as well as professional services to meet new training needs. Guided by military Subject Matter Experts, the software is the result of almost two decades of iterative development, and it is the most easy-to-use and capable tactical training simulation available.
 

 

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Royal Navy establishes autonomous minesweeping capability

Defence

Royal Navy establishes autonomous minesweeping capability

4 July 2025

The Royal Navy has - for the first time - established an autonomous minesweeping capability, after new systems were delivered to help combat the rapidly evolving threat of naval mines.

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

4 July 2025

Serco has appointed Keith Williams to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair designate.

BAE Systems to continue developing AFRL

Defence

BAE Systems to continue developing AFRL's BATDOK

4 July 2025

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has selected BAE Systems to continue development and support deployment of the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Operations Kit (BATDOK) via the new Force Optimization through Rapid-prototyping, Gear Enhancements & Innovative Technology (FORGE-IT) programme.

Boeing appoints Stephen Parker as CEO of BDS

Defence Security Space

Boeing appoints Stephen Parker as CEO of BDS

3 July 2025

Boeing has appointed Stephen (Steve) Parker as president and chief executive officer of its Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business, effective immediately.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT
Lancashire aims at advancing cyber-enabled defence and security

Defence Security Events

Lancashire aims at advancing cyber-enabled defence and security

3 July 2025

Over 200 senior business leaders, investors, policymakers and academics from across the UK gathered this week at the Lancashire Cyber Festival to discuss Lancashire’s opportunity to become a global leader in cyber-enabled defence and security.

Airframe Designs aligns with US NCAMP standards

Aerospace Defence Security

Airframe Designs aligns with US NCAMP standards

3 July 2025

Airframe Designs has aligned its material systems with the US National Centre for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP) which works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry partners to support its existing testing processes.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025