What Gdi Simulation does

GDI Simulation is a French defense engineering firm that designs, manufactures, and supports instrumented shooting and combat simulators (STC) for armed and security forces. Headquartered in Élancourt (Yvelines) and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of MBDA France, the company has accumulated more than 75 years of experience and delivered over 8,500 simulators. Its portfolio centers on 1-way and 2-way laser simulation technology combined with virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, running on industry-standard real-time 3D engines (Unreal, VBS, MÄK). Core products include the STC B2M family (armored vehicles, machine guns, IED, grenades), STC AKERON MP dual simulator, STC ARES for infantry, STC Leclerc for tank crews, counter-drone (LAD) systems, MISTRAL firing-post simulators (VR, SIE, SCE variants), and Akeron missile training systems (SET AKERON MP, STM AKERON LP, FET).

The company's business model is a direct, B2B hardware-and-systems sale to government and military customers, primarily the French Army, with full lifecycle engagement spanning R&D, prototyping, production, integration, in-service support, and training. GDI maintains three on-site support antennas at the principal French Army combat training centers (CENTAC, CENZUB, Canjuers) and participates in defense innovation forums (TechTerre) and international exhibitions (Eurosatory, FED). It holds NATO AQAP 2110, ISO 9001, and ISO 37001 certifications, and pursues industrial partnerships with integrators, platform providers, and systems houses both nationally and for export. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, consistent with classified defense procurement.

Name

Gdi Simulation

Legal name

GDI SIMULATION

Website

https://gdi-simulation.fr

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

GDI Simulation, a French defense firm and wholly-owned subsidiary of MBDA France, designs and supports laser-based and VR/AR/MR shooting and combat simulators primarily for the French Army and allied armed forces, with 8,500+ units delivered over 75+ years.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Military Training Simulators

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

Modeling, Simulation, Digital Twins & Mission Rehearsal Systems (IMABAOAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Serious Games & Simulation Studios (Training, Defense, Enterprise) (MPAFAAAH), Defense & Security (EDABALAH)

Keywords

• Military training simulators
• Combat simulation systems
• Laser-based training
• Defense virtual reality
• Instrumented shooting simulators

Headquarters

HQ city

Élancourt

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Simulator Sales and Production: Design, development, and production of military shooting and combat simulators. Full lifecycle from R&D through production and ongoing support services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

GDI Simulation designs, develops, produces and supports instrumented shooting and combat simulators (STC) and virtual training systems for armed and security forces. Offerings are built around proprietary 1-way and 2-way laser technology, virtual, augmented and mixed reality, and real-time 3D simulation, covering armored vehicles, tanks, infantry weapons, missile firing posts, IEDs, grenades, drones and counter-drone systems. The company delivers the full lifecycle from R&D through production to on-site support at French Army training centers.

Product overview

GDI Simulation is a provider of military training, instruction, and experimentation solutions. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of shooting and combat simulators (STC) and virtual training systems, primarily based on laser technology (1-way and 2-way) and virtual/augmented/mixed reality. The product range includes: the STC B2M family for armored vehicles and weapons (Leclerc tanks, grenades, IEDs); the STC AKERON MP dual simulator; the STC ARES for infantry; the STC Drone et LAD for counter-drone training; MISTRAL firing post simulators (VR, SIE, SCE variants); Akeron missile training systems (SET AKERON MP, STM AKERON LP, FET); the STV virtual shooting range; KMB button training kits; and mixed reality demonstrators. All systems are designed for realistic live-fire exercise simulation and tactical training of armed forces.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• STC B2M Complete range of Shooting and Combat Simulation (STC) systems based on 2-way laser technology for armored and tactical vehicles and machine guns, modeling ammunition ballistics, flight time and target vulnerability matrices for realistic combat exercises. Designed for armed forces tactical and technical training.
• STC AKERON MP First dual simulator combining 2-way laser and virtual reality for the Akeron MP firing post, enabling direct and indirect fire on instrumented targets. Intended for armed forces missile operator training.
• STC ARES 1-way laser combat shooting simulator for infantry training in real conditions during live fire exercises. Used to simulate small-arms fire for armed forces personnel.
• STC Leclerc Tactical and technical crew training simulator for Leclerc main battle tanks, fully interoperable with other STC simulators for realistic combined operational exercises.
• Simulateur IED Improvised Explosive Device (IED) simulator derived from STC B2M technology, allowing integration of IED scenarios into combat training exercises. Targets armed forces preparing for asymmetric warfare.
• B2M-GR (B2M-Grenade) Grenade simulation variant of the B2M system, enhancing realism of live fire exercises through simulated grenade effects for infantry combat training.
• STC Drone et LAD Drone threat and counter-drone (Lutte Anti-Drone) training system, including a drone kit and a one-way jamming rifle simulator, for armed forces drone threat response training.
• MISTRAL VR Virtual reality simulator for MISTRAL MANPAD (Man Portable Air Defense) firing post training, enabling shooter and team leader pair training under instructor control.
• SET AKERON MP Technical simulator for progressive training on the Akeron MP firing post, available in network and platform versions for fire coordination, deployed in the French Army.
• STM AKERON LP Training simulator for the air-launched AKERON LP missile fired from the TIGRE helicopter, supporting air-to-ground missile crew training.
• MISTRAL SIE Projected virtual reality simulator for MISTRAL MANPAD firing post training of shooter and team leader pairs, deployed with the French Army.
• MISTRAL SCE Augmented reality simulator for outdoor MISTRAL MANPAD firing post training, with fire coordination capabilities for team-based missile training.
• FET (Field Evaluation Tool) Virtual simulation tool representative of the Akeron MMP firing post, used for field experiments, evaluations and capability prototyping by armed forces and R&D teams.
• STV (Stand de Tir Virtuel) Virtual shooting range for small-caliber weapons, providing secure weapon manipulation, initiation, enhanced instruction and realistic scenarios for Armed Forces and Security personnel.
• KMB Akeron MP (Kit Manipulation Boutonique) Compact, lightweight, button-operated training kit allowing shooters to practice and perfect skills on AKERON MP menus and firing modes through regular low-cost training.
• Réalité Mixte (Mixed Reality Demonstrator) Embedded mixed reality simulation demonstrator for 12.7mm remote-controlled turret training on tactical vehicles, showcasing future vehicle-mounted training concepts.

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• Commandement du Combat Futur (CCF)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2025Future Combat Command organizes TechTerre defense innovation event. GDI Simulation participates to showcase simulation systems for forces training.
• Agence de l'Innovation de DéfensemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2025French Defence Innovation Agency supports TechTerre event organized by Future Combat Command. GDI Simulation participates in this defense innovation showcase.
• GICATminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 July 2025GICAT (Groupement des Industries Françaises de Défense et de Sécurité Terrestres et Aériennes) partners with CCF for TechTerre event organization.
• COGES EventsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 July 2025COGES Events co-organizes TechTerre defense industry event with GICAT.
• CENTAC (Centre d'Entraînement Au Combat)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2025Combat Training Centre hosts GDI Simulation stand and simulation systems during TechTerre event. GDI maintains ongoing support operations at CENTAC.
• CENZUB-94ème RImajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2025GDI Simulation maintains a support location at CENZUB and participates in events at this major French Army training center.
• MBDA FrancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGDI Simulation is a 100% subsidiary of MBDA France, perpetuating its expertise and offering innovative and high-performance simulation solutions in the most demanding fields.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Thales Training & Simulation: Thales operates one of Europe's largest defense training and simulation businesses, delivering live, virtual and constructive simulation for armed forces globally. It directly competes with GDI Simulation in military training systems and benefits from a much larger parent group footprint.
• RUAG Defence: RUAG Defence supplies simulation, training and live-fire range equipment to European armed forces, with a comparable footprint to GDI Simulation in instrumented combat training. European-headquartered peer with similar product overlap in ballistic simulation.
• CAE Defense & Security: CAE is a global leader in training and simulation for defense, offering live, virtual and constructive solutions across air, land and sea domains. Comparable to GDI Simulation as a specialist defense simulation provider serving armed forces customers worldwide.
• InVeris Training Solutions: InVeris (formerly Meggitt Training Systems) is one of the largest dedicated live-fire and virtual military simulation companies, supplying laser-based training systems to armed forces globally. Closely comparable to GDI Simulation in laser simulation technology and military customer base.
• Cubic Defense (Cubic Corporation): Cubic Defense provides instrumented training systems, including laser-based live training and virtual simulation for military forces, and is a long-standing peer in the military tactical training market. Direct overlap with GDI Simulation's STC product family.
• Saab Training & Simulation: Saab's Training & Simulation division produces live and virtual military training systems, including laser-based instrumented training and combat simulation for ground forces. Comparable to GDI Simulation in target customer (armed forces), product mix (laser + VR), and European defense focus.

Broad incumbents

• Elbit Systems (Training Division): Elbit Systems offers military training and simulation as part of a broad defense electronics portfolio, including live and virtual training systems for ground forces. Comparable to GDI Simulation in product category but operates as a much larger diversified defense group.
• Rheinmetall (Defence Simulation): Rheinmetall is a major European defense prime offering soldier systems, vehicle systems and integrated training solutions including live simulation. It competes with GDI Simulation in military training but operates across a much broader defense portfolio.
• Leonardo (Defence Training): Leonardo provides military training systems and integrated defense solutions across air, land and sea domains. Overlaps with GDI Simulation in soldier and weapons training but is a much larger diversified defense prime.

Emerging players

• Anduril Industries: Anduril is a US-based defense technology company building AI-driven simulation, virtual training and autonomous systems for the US and allied militaries. Represents the emerging software- and AI-native approach to military training that could compete with hardware-anchored simulation providers like GDI Simulation.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gdi-simulation

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gdi Simulation