The global military simulation and training market, valued at $30.2bn in 2024, is projected to show at a compound annual growth rate of 3.2% through to 2034, as countries seek to leverage the cost saving measures and efficiencies of the digital domain.
According to 2024 analysis by GlobalData, the military simulation and training sector would reach $41.bn by 2034, with the land domain accounting for around two-thirds of the market value, followed by the air training segment.
In particularly, the North American market, led by the US, was expected to dominate military simulation and training at nearly four-fifths of the total market value, followed some way behind by Europe and the Asia-Pacific region respectively.
GlobalData analysis forecast that US military simulation spending would exceed $26bn annually up to 2028, with a focus on enhancing military readiness and response capabilities.
The allocation of resources into advanced training systems reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape and the imperative to optimise preparedness in the face of emerging threats, GlobalData stated.
GlobalData’s report, “United States (US) Defense Market Size, Trends, Budget Allocation, Regulations, Acquisitions, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2028,” revealed that the US military was investing heavily in its simulation and training systems to optimise prepare its personnel.
These training investments cover practice air, land, and naval systems and equipment. Overall, this sector was anticipated to value a total of $159bn between 2023 and 2028. Its largest segment was projected to be land simulation and training, at $137.2bn.
Will Europe look to use STE more often?
However, European militaries, tasked with a continent-wide buildup of defence capabilities in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and an apparent withdrawal of the US security umbrella, will have to consider synthetic training environments (STE) with renewal focus in order to drive operational efficiencies.
The UK in particular is seeking to utilise STEs in the land domain for tactical training through platforms and initiatives such as ICAVS(D), JFST, and Project Vulcan, providing by Elbit Systems UK.
Adding the changing face of the contemporary battlefield as small drone swarms and autonomy reshape how combat is conducted, the role that STE can play in determining future doctrine will become of ever-greater importance.
IT²EC is Europe’s largest show dedicated to defence training and simulation. For more, visit the event website here.
