Training

Read the latest Military Training and Simulation defence news from our team of expert journalists and analysts, giving you the 'so what' behind the latest headlines.

US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk

The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.

M-345 officially enters service as trainer for Italian Air Force

The Leonardo M-345 High-Efficiency Trainer (HET) basic/advanced trainer is similar to the M-346, which is the second part of the Italian Air Force’s training system, but is a substantially smaller and less powerful aircraft.

Air Warfare

Japan targets T-4 replacement ahead of GCAP as pressure mounts to modernise pilot training

The JASDF has been looking to replace its T-4 jet fighters amid concerns over training capacity and pilot readiness for fifth-gen fighters.

Defence Notes

What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow

Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?

Featured Industry Spotlights

Training

AI innovation set to revolutionise military training landscape

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Air Warfare

Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training

12th June 2025

In Conversation... Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to CAE's Marc-Olivier Sabourin about how the training and simulation industry can help militaries achieve essential levels of readiness by leveraging new technology, innovative procurement methods and a truly collaborative approach.
Air Warfare

US Army progresses with the Flight School Next project

4th June 2025

A special procurement notice for the Flight School Next was issued this week as potential suppliers step up their efforts.
Defence Notes

QinetiQ reports record growth and announces $2 billion contract but shows loss for FY2025

27th May 2025

QinetiQ has operations in Australia, the UK and the US with the latter including supporting Customs and Border Protection, US Navy aircraft carrier support and work on US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.
Air Warfare

UK MoD awards Ascent with eight-year contract to upgrade RAF and Royal Navy flight training

20th May 2025

Funding of £300 million will go towards training personnel on the FIRCTS programmes to meet a growing demand for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) platforms.
Land Warfare

Australian Army advances with the implementation of countermining training

7th May 2025

The branch entered this year in the second phase of the deployment of the FLAIM Sweeper system.
Land Warfare

Thales to modernise Netherlands TACTIS combined arms trainer

30th April 2025

Thales will modernise the Royal Netherlands Army’s TACTIS simulation system over eight years with enhanced synthetic environments, new simulators for the CV9035NL, Boxer and Leopard 2 tanks.
Air Warfare

Co-operation continues as tri-national F-35s break new ground in Pacific exercise

22nd April 2025

The February exercise marked a milestone in multinational cooperation with fifth-generational air warfare capabilities, but will it continue considering shifting US politics?
Land Warfare

The challenge of making the inflatable illusion and training centre

21st April 2025

Faking aircraft, yanks and vehicles has a storied history through the previous century but there are others uses for inflatable systems such as more detailed and classified military equipment and training structures.
Air Warfare

Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II

14th April 2025

The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
Land Warfare

How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%

2nd April 2025

The new small arms training approach includes the use of data and simulation capabilities, as well as more realistic environments.
Land Warfare

US Army awards RTX Raytheon follow-on contract for the RCADE modelling and simulation capability

24th March 2025

The agreement covers the establishment of a continuous experimentation environment.
Land Warfare

Singapore launches the SAFTI City urban warfare complex

21st March 2025

The large urban recreation uses sensors and robots as well as realistic building design to test tactics and expertise.
Naval Warfare

Royal Navy follows US Navy lead, invests in VR training to mitigate watchkeeping skill fade

19th March 2025

VR naval training is growing more accepted as it maintains bridge skills in a safe, virtual environment.
Land Warfare

What do Russia or Ukraine need to win the war?

28th February 2025

Shephard looks at both the doctrine and equipment perspective and considers what both countries would require in order to ensure victory.
Air Warfare

How air forces are embracing augmented reality technology to maintain skillsets

24th February 2025

Augmented reality (AR) systems are helping combat pilots and other air force personnel gain, maintain or improve their various skillsets.
Land Warfare

Final two contenders for key £2 billion British Army training contract selected

18th February 2025

The two remaining bidders for the flagship Army Collective Training Service (ACTS) contract will move on to the next 20-week phase to select the British Army's Strategic Training Partner.
Air Warfare

Rheinmetall to deliver C-390 simulators

12th February 2025

The order is from the Netherlands and is the third order worldwide, and the second in Europe after contracts from Embraer and Portugal.
Air Warfare

Netherlands signs deal for eight PC-7 MKX training aircraft

10th February 2025

The eight new aircraft will also be joined by four flight simulators, the former replacing the air force’s current Pilatus PC-7 training aircraft by 2027.
Defence Notes

Broad demand for land and technology equipment boosts defence companies’ financial results

6th February 2025

Financial reporting season for the calendar year of 2024 has continued to show substantial growth for defence companies as countries across the world, particularly those in Europe, open the chequebook.