Why AI enabled simulation is becoming essential for modern military training

Practice makes perfect, they say. But training in defence is increasingly constrained. Constrained by finances, by safety, by complexity. In this op-ed, Gary Waterfall CBE, argues that AI-enabled simulation will become essential for addressing the gaps between preparations for war, and real-world training.     

By Air-Vice Marshal (Ret’d) Gary Waterfall CBE, ITEC spokesperson, published on March 31, 2026. 

In 2011, UK rapidly responded to the unfolding crisis in Libya, and undertook the task of protection of civilians under UNSCR 1973, delivering from the skies and sea.  It was the advent of Typhoon in the air to surface role and, flying in mixed formation with Tornado, they proved a formidable combination. Moreover, The Royal Navy proved pivotal in high-risk operations to repatriate entitled persons at the start of the conflict and later became integrated with the air campaign through Naval Gunfire Support for littoral strike where needed. With AH64 flying operations from HMS OCEAN, it was a multi-domain endeavour. However, all training and mission rehearsal was done in real time with the ‘test and adjust’ in the skies over Libya.  

The Air Battlespace Training Centre (ABTC) at RAF Waddington was in its early days and wholly concentrated on development and training of AH46 crews pre-deployment to Afghanistan. Had it been in a more advanced state, such as today’s GLADIATOR, which is developing a distributed synthetic training backbone across the RAF, true mission rehearsal might have been conducted synthetically. It would have enabled the UK to harness the most effective tactics and procedures before employing on operations and learning the hard way when things didn’t work.  

The same is true of weapon employment, and for the cumbersome and difficult weapon loading, re-rolling and re-arming at speed across a Typhoon force that was new to the game; here again, employing augmented reality and the synthetic domain might have proved a force multiplier.  But, in 2011, the technology was probably not mature enough, even if it was, the culture and mindset certainly wasn’t.

Today, however, armed forces face a fundamental challenge. The character of warfare is evolving at extraordinary speed, yet the environments in which militaries can safely and affordably train are becoming more constrained. At the same time, our forces need to be prepared to use highly sophisticated weapons systems in increasingly contested domains. They need to understand and prepare for the growing role of cyber and space operations. All of this together means that relying on traditional training methods alone is no longer sufficient.

Preparing technologically empowered forces therefore requires a continual shift in how militaries approach training and education. It is no longer simply about adopting new technologies, but about ensuring personnel across every rank can operate confidently within an increasingly digital, connected and data driven battlespace. 

But there is a potential solution on the horizon. Artificial intelligence (AI) enabled simulation has been discussed in defence circles for a number of years, but it is now becoming reality. This type of simulation is rapidly becoming one of the most important tools available to defence organisations.

Synthetic training: What has changed? 

Simulation has played an important role in preparing personnel for complex missions for decades. Flight simulators, mission rehearsal systems and synthetic environments have long supported military training. What is changing now is the speed and scale at which simulation can evolve. Artificial intelligence is enabling training environments that are more responsive, more adaptive and significantly more realistic than those of the past.

One of the clearest drivers behind this shift is the growing difficulty of replicating real world conditions through live training alone. Modern operations span land, sea, air, cyber and space, often involving multinational forces and highly advanced capabilities. Recreating such complexity in physical exercises is extremely challenging and often prohibitively expensive. As a result, training tends to prioritise the testing of individual drills rather than the simulation of full-spectrum combat. It also frequently imposes artificial constraints in order to maintain safety and manage risk, which can limit realism and reduce exposure to the kinds of uncertainty and intensity seen in actual operations. This is not to say the physical act of flying or driving a land vehicle should be replaced, but it can be augmented more efficiently.

AI-enabled simulation allows defence organisations to build synthetic environments that mirror the complexity of modern conflict. Entire battlespaces can be recreated digitally, populated by intelligent systems that behave in ways that reflect real adversaries and operational dynamics. These environments can evolve in response to the decisions of trainees, creating scenarios that feel authentic and unpredictable.

This ability to generate realistic complexity is essential for preparing personnel to operate in modern conflict. Commanders must make rapid decisions in environments characterised by incomplete information and constant change. So, it stands to reason that synthetic training that exposes individuals and teams to this type of pressure is vital.

Adaptation through to failing safely

Another major advantage of AI-enabled synthetic training and simulation is adaptability. Traditional training programmes often follow fixed structures. While effective in many contexts, they can struggle to keep pace with changing operational requirements. Artificial intelligence offers the potential to tailor training dynamically to the needs of individual learners and teams.

Adaptive learning systems can analyse performance in real time and adjust the training environment accordingly. If a trainee demonstrates mastery of certain skills, the system can introduce greater complexity. If a gap in knowledge or performance emerges, the simulation can adapt to provide targeted challenges that reinforce learning. 

AI is also transforming how performance is analysed. Modern simulation systems generate vast quantities of data, capturing every action taken during an exercise. AI driven analysis tools can process this information to identify patterns that would otherwise remain hidden. Trainers can gain deeper insights into decision making, teamwork and operational effectiveness. 

Building from solid foundations

Importantly, the development of these technologies is not occurring solely within the traditional defence sector. Some of the most significant advances in immersive environments, artificial intelligence and digital interaction are emerging from industries such as gaming, advanced visualisation and emergency response training. These sectors have spent years refining technologies that create convincing virtual worlds and realistic human interaction.

As a result, the future of military training will increasingly depend on collaboration across a wider ecosystem of innovators. Events such as the ITEC, taking place in London in April, will highlight how collaboration between defence, industry, academia and emerging technology sectors is accelerating progress in military training. Non-traditional defence organisations bring fresh perspectives and technical expertise that can accelerate the development of next generation simulation capabilities. 

Their contributions demonstrate how dual use technologies can strengthen defence preparedness while also benefiting civilian sectors such as disaster response and public safety. For example, high-fidelity medical simulators developed by Laerdal Medical, widely used across European hospitals and training centres, enable clinicians and military medics to rehearse complex emergency scenarios in a controlled environment, demonstrating how advanced simulation technologies can support both defence preparedness and civilian healthcare systems.

Calibre comment: The future of AI in defence simulations     

Looking ahead, the potential of artificial intelligence within military training is likely to expand further. Future systems may evolve towards intelligent training architectures that continuously learn from data generated across multiple exercises and operational contexts. These architectures could automatically refine scenarios, update threat behaviours and optimise training pathways for individuals and teams. If this potential is fully realised, Artificial intelligence could become a cornerstone of how armed forces build readiness in an increasingly complex security environment. 

If you would like to read more about simulation and synthetic environments in defence training, check out the links below: 

• BAE and Avioniq trialling AI on Eurofighter Typhoon – Calibre Defence 
• Elbit Systems UK, putting the joint into the UK’s joint fires – Calibre Defence 
• Varjo launches Integrated XR Systems – Calibre Defence 

The lead image shows an ITEC 2025 attendee in a flight simulator. Credit: ITEC. 

Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Gary Waterfall CBE supports the international dialogue on these developments through his role as ITEC spokesperson. The event brings together military leaders, researchers and technology innovators to explore how emerging technologies can strengthen defence training, interoperability and multinational readiness. As one of the leading global forums dedicated to defence training and simulation, ITEC acts as a convener for governments, armed forces, industry and academia to share insights and collaborate on the future of military training.