Germany is moving ahead with a major modernization of its Army Combat Training Center to support fully digital and networked land warfare exercises. Rheinmetall has secured a 61-million-euro ($70.4 million) contract from the Bundeswehr to integrate advanced digital technologies into the facility. The upgrade work begins in 2025, with full implementation expected by early 2028, transforming the site into one of Europe’s most advanced training environments.
The initiative falls under the Bundeswehr’s Digitalisation of Land-based Operations (D-LBO) program, which aims to create a seamless link between the training center, the army’s battle management system, and next-generation communications infrastructure. As part of the upgrade, the facility will receive a new digital radio system, expanded communication networks, and a 5G broadband architecture to support real-time data exchange. Additionally, Rheinmetall will integrate Tactical Core software from its subsidiary Blackned to enhance interoperability and connectivity.
Once operational, the revamped systems will allow all battle management data to be displayed within the command post, significantly boosting situational awareness during exercises. The enhanced software will not only track troop locations and communication patterns but also ingest command data from the Bundeswehr’s Sitaware Frontline and HQ systems. This will give instructors a far more comprehensive understanding of unit performance, communication efficiency, and decision-making processes.
The modernization boosts Germany’s ability to train alongside NATO partners and develop a high-fidelity multinational training environment in the Altmark region of Saxony-Anhalt. In parallel with this contract, Rheinmetall has also been awarded a separate deal worth up to $3.2 billion to provide digital soldier systems from February 2025 onward—further solidifying Germany’s drive toward next-generation, network-centric warfighting capabilities.
