BAE Systems has introduced a new business arm designed to enhance capabilities in simulation, synthetic training, data analytics, geospatial tools, and AI-driven solutions for the U.S. military, NATO, and allied forces. The new unit, named OneArc, aims to bring various technological assets together, leveraging previous acquisitions including Bohemia Interactive Simulations, TerraSim, and Pitch Technologies.
OneArc intends to provide what BAE describes as “ready-now” commercial solutions at scale, covering a wide array of applications from synthetic training environments to advanced data analytics. This initiative aims to build upon existing NATO interoperability standards and offer tools for training, mission rehearsals, and cross-domain readiness, thus equipping forces to better respond to evolving threats.
Rahul Thakkar, president of OneArc, highlighted the unit’s focus on integration, collaboration, and collective advancement, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared objectives in the defense sector.
The launch of OneArc fits into a larger trend among defense firms that are prioritizing advancements in simulation, software, and virtual training capabilities to better serve contemporary military needs. For instance, Bohemia Interactive Simulations recently secured a five-year enterprise license contract with the Canadian Department of National Defence for its Digital Virtual Trainer, which will support immersive, large-scale virtual training environments for the Canadian Army.
Additionally, Bohemia, now part of OneArc, established a strategic alliance with Rheinmetall AG. This partnership aims to integrate Bohemia’s VBS4 and Blue IG simulation suites into Rheinmetall’s Heavy Infantry Weapons Carrier project, thereby enabling the development of realistic combat simulators designed for the German Army’s medium forces.
OneArc’s innovative potential is further underscored by its recent agreement with PLEXSYS, intended to merge PLEXSYS’ Advanced Simulation Combat Operations Trainer environment generator with OneArc’s VBS4 platform. This collaboration seeks to produce unified live-virtual-constructive training systems across various domains, including air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, facilitating smoother cross-domain training and interoperability on a global scale.
