In March 2026, the rollout of a VirtHT – Virtueller Handlungstrainer (Virtual Action Trainer) began among the special and specialized forces of the Bundeswehr. And this AI-Powered Extended Reality solution from HOLOGATE which has now begun to be implemented is taking military training into the next generation.
New threat landscapes, the increasing use of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, as well as increasingly complex operational scenarios are fundamentally changing the requirements for military training. Despite all the changes and technological advancements, the human element and its military capabilities remain at the center of combat. Therefore, new technologies and procedures must be quickly adopted and internalized to prepare soldiers for various and diverse operational scenarios.
This is where HOLOGATE and the VirtHT comes in. Within different virtual operational environments, multiple soldiers can train complex tactical situations together. They communicate with each other, coordinate their actions, and make decisions under time pressure. The exercises, scenarios, and operational spaces can be created, adapted, repeated, and evaluated in a very short time. This accelerates the development, testing, and validation of new procedures, tactics, and operational concepts.
The VirtHT was developed not just for, but hand in hand with the Bundeswehr. Commissioned by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and in close cooperation with the Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91), the digital training platform was created. The platform has been continuously adapted to the requirements of modern military training and has been procured for the Bundeswehr for roll out since March 2026.
For the first time, the digital platform combines immersive training scenarios, simulation, and the realistic integration of mission-relevant equipment within a shared digital infrastructure. A central component is the precise digital representation and physical replication of original mission relevant Bundeswehr equipment. Soldiers train with the same operational tools they use in real deployments. The spectrum ranges from the new G95 assault rifle and military police equipment – such as batons, flashlights, DEIG (conducted electrical weapons), pepper spray and handcuffs – to medical equipment, hand grenades, and glow sticks.
Every exercise can be evaluated entirely digitally. Movements, communication, decisions, and tactical processes are objectively recorded and analyzed. This makes training results measurable, allowing procedures to be validated and tactical concepts to be systematically and continually developed.
Regarding the introduction of the VR action trainer among special and specialized forces, retired Lieutenant General Joachim von Sandrart, former Commander of the Multinational Corps Northeast, stated:
“The training and drilling of our soldiers and conduction of exercises using virtual reality is a milestone for military education and training. What HOLOGATE has developed on behalf of the BAAINBw meets the urgent need for a modern, flexible, needs-based, and combat-realistic training and exercise landscape – and it does so entirely in a safe and secure digital space. With the first systems for special and specialized forces, they now have the opportunity to develop their own application scenarios and ultimately raise their operational readiness to an even higher level. We are taking a decisive step closer to the important principle of ‘Train as you fight’ with this type of virtual action trainer.”
Together with defense industry partners, HOLOGATE is continuously expanding the platform to include additional weapon systems. The ENFORCER guided missile system from MBDA is already integrated. This allows the deployment of modern weapon systems to be trained safely, resource-efficiently, and repeatedly in tactical training scenarios even before a live round is fired.
The platform enables training environments for all military branches of the Bundeswehr, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Support Forces (Military Police), Special Forces, and Specialized Forces. The system is highly mobile: packed in roll cases, it can be relocated to any location with minimal effort and set up in a short amount of time. This means existing structures such as sports halls, vehicle depots, and other suitable spaces can be utilized as immersive training centers. Multiple users can move freely within the same virtual environment and interact with one another.
The HGXR platform is designed as an open, modular platform for simulation and development. Free-roaming virtual training spaces, HOLOGATE simulators, and existing Bundeswehr simulation systems can be interconnected via integrated interfaces. New capabilities, equipment, vehicles, and training content can be developed centrally alongside users and deployed across different locations.
“This VR action trainer brings Bundeswehr training into the next generation. Training in virtual reality offers almost limitless digital possibilities for instructors and operators. It’s not about individual marksmanship training, rather gaining insights into decision-making, behavior, group dynamics, acting under stress, and much more. Many police forces in Germany and Switzerland are already relying on HOLOGATE systems today. We are excited to take the next steps with the Bundeswehr now – with great potential for more!” says Leif Petersen, Founder and CEO of HOLOGATE
The contract with the Bundeswehr and the delivery of the first systems are an important step for the company. More milestones are to follow:
“Even today, our system can realistically represent virtual drones of any size and type in the scenarios. We want to specifically expand this area for the training of drone pilots, but also for the behavior of soldiers under drone threats. There are no limits for us in the digital space. As an officer and platoon leader a few years ago, I wouldn’t have dared to dream of this, but today it is reality and we are only at the start!” stated Robert Fankhänel, COO and Co-Founder of HOLOGATE
The open, modular architecture of the digital training platform also opens up options for international cooperation for the company. In the future, the platform could serve as a technical foundation for interoperable training formats and multinational exercises with partners within NATO and other international allies.
