War games: BAE Systems trains sights on military simulation software firm

BAE Systems is buying a Florida-based software developer whose ultra-realistic Call of Duty-style simulations are deployed in combat training by the US military.

The UK’s largest defence contractor has inked a deal to acquire Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BIS), a battlefield simulations specialist spun out from a games company behind a string of best-selling first-person shooters.

The firm now employs more than 325 people.

BAE said the BIS simulation software “provides innovative, high-fidelity training software products and related services to a growing and diverse customer base”.

The acquisition is conditional upon regulatory approval.

Terms were not disclosed.

BAE boss Charles Woodburn said the business was ramping up investment in advanced technologies to respond to the “evolving threat environment.”