Norwegian Armed Forces upgrade simulation capabilities with BAE Systems VBS4 under multi-year training agreement

By Lukasz Prus (Defence Industry Europe)

The Norwegian Armed Forces have selected an enterprise licence upgrade to VBS4, a virtual training and mission rehearsal system developed by BAE Systems’ OneArc division. The multi-year agreement also includes VBS Builder Edition, Blue IG, software support and training services.
Image: BAE Systems.

The Norwegian Armed Forces have selected an enterprise licence upgrade to VBS4, a virtual training and mission rehearsal system developed by BAE Systems’ OneArc division. The multi-year agreement also includes VBS Builder Edition, Blue IG, software support and training services.

 

The upgrade builds on the Armed Forces’ long-standing use of OneArc technologies. It represents a significant step in modernising virtual training and mission readiness capabilities.

With the introduction of VBS4, the Norwegian Armed Forces are expected to expand their use of simulation. The system will support training, operational planning, mission rehearsal and force design.

The platform enables integrated training across land, sea and air environments. This approach is intended to reflect the complexity of modern military operations.

 

 

Rahul C. Thakkar, President of OneArc, said: “This upgrade marks a major evolution in the Norwegian Armed Forces’ virtual training ecosystem. VBS4 delivers a new level of realism and flexibility, empowering soldiers and commanders to prepare for modern operational challenges across fully integrated land, sea, and air environments.”

The agreement also supports the Nordic Defence Cooperation’s Vision 2030. It is expected to enhance interoperability with regional partners including Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

VBS4 is widely used across NATO and has been adopted by more than 60 countries. The system integrates with technologies such as Mantle terrain, Blue IG rendering and TerraTools terrain generation.

 

 

The enterprise licence is designed to provide long-term flexibility and scalability. It aims to ensure interoperability across the Norwegian Armed Forces’ training infrastructure.

The four-year framework is intended to deliver a future-ready simulation capability. It supports both current operational requirements and evolving defence needs.

The agreement also reflects ongoing cooperation with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency. The partnership focuses on developing a sustainable and expandable training ecosystem.

Virtual simulation is considered a key force multiplier. It enables cost-effective, repeatable training while improving operational proficiency.

 

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