Militaries can rehearse complex missions without fuel, ammunition, or risk to personnel, and commanders can instantly replay and analyze every movement.
By Hezy Laing
Bagira, founded in Israel in 2006 by former IDF officers and simulation specialists, has grown into one of the world’s most influential military‑training companies, with its large‑screen simulators now used by armed forces in more than forty countries.
The company began as a small integrator of tactical training systems but quickly expanded after developing its flagship SmartSim platform, a high‑fidelity, 360‑degree immersive environment capable of replicating urban warfare, counterterrorism missions, armored maneuvers, and joint‑force operations.
Over the years Bagira added specialized modules for infantry, armor, artillery, special forces, naval units, and emergency responders, allowing militaries to train entire battalions in synchronized virtual scenarios.
Its systems are known for photorealistic graphics, real‑time physics, and the ability to integrate live equipment—rifles, vehicle controls, radios, and command‑and‑control systems—so that soldiers train exactly as they fight.
Bagira’s popularity stems from its combination of realism, flexibility, and cost efficiency.
Militaries can rehearse complex missions without fuel, ammunition, or risk to personnel, and commanders can instantly replay and analyze every movement.
Countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America have adopted Bagira’s simulators, including NATO members seeking standardized training environments. Compared with competitors such as Saab, Cubic, and Rheinmetall, Bagira is known for faster scenario‑building, deeper customization, and seamless integration with both Western and non‑Western weapons systems.
Its systems are also modular, allowing small armies to start with a single room‑sized simulator and expand to full multi‑hall training centers.
The Israel Defense Forces have been central to Bagira’s evolution.
The IDF uses Bagira simulators to train infantry brigades, armored crews, artillery units, Home Front Command rescue teams, and elite special‑operations forces.
Large‑screen immersive halls allow entire companies to practice urban raids, tunnel warfare, convoy protection, and border‑security missions.
Armored units rehearse Merkava tank maneuvers, while artillery batteries practice fire‑direction procedures and coordination with drones and forward observers.
The IDF credits Bagira with dramatically reducing training accidents and improving readiness for real‑world combat.
