SUMMARY
CapTech Simulation Technologies is all about innovative exploitation of simulation and computing technologies, serving multi-domain operations across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.
For this, it is subject to synergies and interdependencies with other EDA CapTechs.
CapTech Simulation Technologies is composed of experts coming from participating Member States (pMS), industry, SMEs, RTOs and academia.
The CapTech Simulation Technologies objectives include the following:
- Coordinate and strengthen the exploitation of advanced computing and simulation technologies for defence in Europe.
- Foster innovative cooperation among EDA’s pMS in the R&T areas of this CapTech.
- Interface between MoDs and the industry.
Generate innovative collaborative R&T projects to enhance European defence capabilities via the exploitation of advanced computing and simulation technologies.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
Due to the wide application scope of simulation technologies in defence, CapTech Simulation Technologies R&T activity focuses on a broad range of areas, such as:
- Digital twinning, spatial computing
- Simulation and optimisation of drone swarming
- Simulation technologies for Space engineering
- Simulation of the Earth features and the environment
- Virtual sensors modelling and simulation
- Multi-modal transformers-based simulation
- Automated training, training enhanced by bio-sensors, LVC training
- Manned-unmanned teaming capabilities
- Wargaming, persistent virtual battlefields
- Simulation of Multi-Domain Operations, logistics and maintenance, C-IED
- Simulation for rapid prototyping and strategic engineering
- Simulation serving Concept Development & Experimentation
- Simulation in support to C2 decision making
- Quantum simulation
The CapTech is led by a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA), which is in line with EDA’s Overarching Strategic Research Agenda (OSRA). The R&T topics are shaped around seven Technology Building Blocks (TBBs), with implementation roadmaps for potential projects via different funding mechanisms such as the EDA Operational Budget studies, R&T Ad-Hocs and the European Defence Fund.
- TBB01 – Integrated Live, Virtual and Constructive (I-LVC) for Training, Simulation and Serious Games Solutions
- TBB02 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data (BD) for Decision Making Support
- TBB03 – Immersive, Virtual and Augmented Reality
- TBB04 – Cyber Defence Simulation
- TBB05 – Joint Strategic, Operational and Tactical level simulators
- TBB06 – Modelling & Simulation as a Service (MSaaS) for synthetic environment and rapid scenario generation
- TBB07 – Simulation for Systems of Systems (S3)
All pMS can pursue R&T collaborative projects, leveraging the TBB roadmaps and projects proposals. CapTech Members may expand ideas by engaging into new activities, including projects, studies, and events.
Due to their broad scope of application, CapTech Simulation Technologies activities are linked to most of the EDA’s Capability Development Plan (CDP) priorities.
CapTech Simulation Technologies collaborates with other EDA CapTechs on common topics for development of defence capabilities, definition of requirements, and coordination of activities. Interactions with other relevant organisations such as NATO, EUROSIM and ESA are foreseen to promote information exchange and investigate synergies and opportunities for joint activities.
COMMUNITY
The CapTech Simulation Technologies community meets at least three times per year. EDA pMS can offer to host related meetings, upon national representatives’ agreement. Dedicated industry workshops are also organised, fostering the participation of both governmental representatives and private entities. Workshops are meant to achieve concrete outcomes, such as joint project plans and technology assessments. During the CapTech meetings, MoDs representatives, designated as CapTech National Coordinators (CNCs), meet and discuss technology areas with the potential to lead to multinational research projects, in consultation with the CapTech Governmental (CGEs) and non-Governmental members (CnGEs).
Requests for CGE or CnGE membership to CapTech Simulation Technologies can be submitted to the CapTech Moderator. Such requests will be forwarded to your national authorities, in the person of the respective CNC for approval. The approval of the CNC will be needed to become a CGE or CnGE, and for your participation in a CapTech event.
To become a CGE or CnGE member of the CapTech or in case of questions regarding the CapTech’s operation, please contact CapTech.Simulation@eda.europa.eu.
LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS
Currently, CapTech Simulation Technologies has projects in preparation on the following topics: AI-based rapid prototyping of stealth drones; exploitation of digital twinning capabilities for defence; building operational picture for disaster and crisis management; simulations interoperability for live virtual constructive training for air combat; 3D terrain and city models for situational awareness; increased platform crew’s situational awareness; mission planning and operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in icing conditions; wind flow virtual sensor for field monitoring and risk assessment; offshore critical marine infrastructure resilience; human centred training for military professionals; human-enhanced realistic operations in immersive combat simulation.
The CapTech explores synergies and opportunities for joint activities with the European Commission and NATO.
In February 2025, the EDA organised the Simulation Technologies for Space Engineering Workshop in collaboration with the Belgian Royal Higher Institute for Defence. The aim was to explore trends and methods driving innovation in simulation-based space engineering, with a particular emphasis on supporting military operational scenarios.
See here the LinkedIn and X posts about the Workshop.