The US Department of Defense has taken a significant step towards enhancing military training capabilities by awarding a contract to Ukrainian defense solutions developer Skiftech. This project focuses on the production of advanced laser-based simulation technology tailored for the army. The initiative aligns with the US Army’s broader efforts to improve and expand its Tactical Engagement Simulation Systems (TESS), which utilize laser transmitters as substitutes for live ammunition during weapons training.
Skiftech is set to collaborate with the Army Contracting Command in Orlando, Florida, and is expected to work on this project until March 2035. The funding for this contract will be sourced from a substantial $921.1 million framework agreement, which has also seen other prominent defense contractors such as General Dynamics Mission Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Saab designated as contributors to the TESS program.
The incorporation of laser-based simulation technology is anticipated to enhance training effectiveness, enabling soldiers to engage in realistic combat scenarios without the risks associated with live firing exercises. This approach not only mitigates safety concerns but also offers a cost-effective alternative for conducting extensive training exercises.
In addition to the collaboration with Skiftech, the US Army has been actively pursuing other simulation initiatives. Just last October, the service awarded a contract to QinetiQ to provide its proprietary aerial target drones, which will be utilized for simulation, engineering, and replicator applications. Earlier in the year, the Army partnered with Sigma Defense Systems to develop a virtual reality ecosystem aimed at enhancing intelligence practice operations.
In March, the Army also engaged with Maxar Intelligence to supply immersive training software designed for warfighters. Concurrently, the service commenced tests of new virtual synthetic training environments intended for indoor tactical training in Texas. The Army’s commitment to advancing training methodologies is further reflected in its January contract with CAE Defense & Security, which will provide simulators for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, a planned replacement for the existing Black Hawk and Apache Helicopters.
Moreover, in February, the US Army showcased its innovative AI-enabled virtual marksmanship training program tailored for its special forces unit. This initiative is part of a broader ballistics and arms qualification program aimed at enhancing the troops’ operational readiness and effectiveness.
These developments underscore the US Army’s strategic pivot towards integrating cutting-edge technological solutions in training, ensuring that soldiers are better prepared for the complexities of modern warfare. The ongoing partnerships with various defense contractors highlight a concerted effort to leverage external expertise in enhancing military capabilities through advanced simulation technologies.
