Military training: NATO event in Rome. The Ministry of Defence is focusing on advanced simulation software
The 21st edition of the NATO CA2X2 Forum has opened in Rome; the event, which runs until 1 October, involves over 30 countries and brings together more than 500 experts, institutions, academics, industry representatives and military personnel
Key points
An opportunity to bring together research, industry and defence, with an estimated economic impact running into billions of euros for the development of digital military technologies, thereby strengthening decision-making capabilities and operational readiness, with a focus on interoperability amongst allies – a key element for collective security.
This is the aim of the 21st edition of the NATO CA2X2 Forum, an event taking place from 29 September to 1 October which involves over 30 countries, bringing together more than 500 experts, institutions, the academic world, industry and the military to present and develop advanced technologies in multi-domain military simulation and training.
The Italian Defence Force is taking action. It is focusing on innovative digital systems. The Army is introducing the fourth generation of the Virtual Battlespace (VBS4) software, used in over 20 countries, supported by the Mantle system for high-precision 3D geospatial modelling, and by extended reality (POC XR) and drone data analysis (Drone Scene Cast) technologies. The Navy showcases advanced simulators that replicate the navigation and operational management of the latest-generation frigates, enabling realistic training in controlled environments. The Italian Air Force presents the Virtual Reality System (VRS) and Virtual Computer Basic Training (VCBT) systems, which have shown a 30 per cent increase in training effectiveness in preliminary tests.
The European move
At European level, the Forum is focusing on the Federates project, backed by a total investment estimated at 150 million euros, which aims to build interoperable training ecosystems to ensure coordination amongst 15 allied nations. This collaboration aims to establish shared standards and reduce the time taken to integrate national platforms by 20 per cent.
Wargaming
Wargaming plays a central role, with presentations of platforms such as WinterStorm2030 and Aurecale, which integrate automation and artificial intelligence, enhancing strategic simulation and reducing operating costs by up to 25 per cent.
