GhostPlay@SEA is a project funded by the Bundeswehr technology program dtec.bw, which builds on the results of the original GhostPlay project. GhostPlay created a so-called ‘Defense Metaverse’, a high-performance simulation environment for AI-based combat simulations on land and in the air. This vision is now being expanded to include the maritime dimension. The aim of the project is to explore AI-supported methods in order to develop and evaluate new and proven tactical behavior patterns and decision-making processes for naval warfare. In addition, the transfer of virtually trained tactics to real hardware will be researched and piloted.
Dr. Jeronimo Dzaack, Co-Head of Future Tech, explained: “GhostPlay@SEA aims to fundamentally change the way future naval operations are planned and conducted and to further expand the technological leadership of all partners involved. In the virtual environment, highly complex combat situations can be realistically simulated, and optimal tactics can be safely tested.”
By using state-of-the-art AI and simulation technologies, future threat scenarios—from drone swarms to autonomous submarines—can be simulated in advance within a risk-free virtual environment. “This makes it possible to test and optimize tactical concepts at an early stage, even before real systems are deployed. The knowledge gained in this way flows directly into the development of new maritime defense technologies,” continued Dzaack.
The GhostPlay@SEA consortium includes major players from science and industry, the Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg, HENSOLDT, 21Strategies, Rheinmetall, and Borchert Research Consulting. The project underlines the innovative strength of the German defense industry in the age of digitalization. As a pioneer of such a digital combat training ground, GhostPlay@SEA paves the way for a new era of maritime defense technology and strengthens the future operational capability of the navy through artificial tactical excellence.
