The Italian Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems OneArc a contract to upgrade the Italian Army’s virtual training environment.
The agreement, signed in December 2025, covers the implementation of VBS4 and Mantle, two simulation and terrain generation platforms developed by OneArc.
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VBS4 functions as a virtual desktop platform for creating and executing diverse military scenarios. It is designed for tactical instruction, experimentation and mission preparation while offering compatibility with a range of image generators.
Mantle is a terrain generation platform designed to enable users to create digital environments for training, rehearsal, and mission preparation. It can be used for both rapid scenario development and detailed simulations required for ISR analysis.
As part of the five-year contract, OneArc will replace older VBS3-based systems with the newer VBS4 software, introducing next-generation terrain tools, advanced fires integration, and updated training workstations.
This upgrade aims to maintain training continuity for various military personnel, including armoured and aviation crews, FIRES operators, snipers, and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.
By adopting these technologies, the Italian Army will have access to multi-weapon and multi-domain procedural training at scale, independent of specific terrain or conditions.
The transition also aligns the Italian Army’s systems with those used by other Nato members and allied forces already utilising VBS4, Blue IG and Mantle for mission rehearsal and collaborative exercises.
OneArc president Rahul C. Thakkar said: “This upgrade is a major step toward the Italian Army’s future-ready virtual training architecture. With VBS4 and Mantle, Italy gains a foundation capable of supporting complex, multi-domain training, autonomous terrain generation and enhanced JTAC readiness — all aligned with evolving Nato standards.”
In addition to the Italian Defence contract, BAE Systems OneArc signed a memorandum of understanding with Plexsys in December last year to collaborate on defence training solutions.
The partnership focuses on integrating Plexsys’ ASCOT 7 environment generator with the VBS4 platform to provide unified scenario creation and visualisation across multiple operational domains including air, land, maritime, space and cyber.
