Beyond the battlefield Advanced simulation as a strategic capability in joint operations

As defence grows more complex and multidomain in nature, the ability to plan, experiment, and train under realistic, data-driven conditions becomes critical.

The nature of modern conflict is changing. Operations are no longer confined to a single domain but are increasingly interconnected across land, sea, air, space and cyber. These dynamics demand faster decision-making, better coordination, and highly adaptable force structures. Traditional training and planning methods, while still relevant, struggle to address the full complexity of today’s battlespace.

Lockheed Martin responds to this challenge with two high-end simulation platforms: the Advanced Center for Experimentation and Simulation (ACES) and SIMRES. Both are designed to support multi-domain readiness, enabling armed forces to test and train in digitally replicated, highly immersive environments.

ACES: Campaign-level analysis and concept testing

ACES provides a scalable, flexible wargaming environment where commanders, analysts and planners can simulate operational scenarios ranging from humanitarian assistance to high-intensity conflict. The platform allows for detailed assessment of:

• New operational concepts and tactics
• Force structure viability and joint interoperability
• Campaign-level outcomes under realistic threat models

By replicating real-world variables, ACES enables rapid experimentation cycles, which are essential as military adversaries become more adaptive and technologically advanced.

The key advantage lies in its ability to test, refine and validate decisions virtually—avoiding the cost and time associated with traditional field-based iteration.

SIMRES: Integrating live and virtual training with digital twins

Where ACES is focused on strategic planning and experimentation, SIMRES addresses tactical readiness. It is a force-on-force (FoF) training system that merges live operations with simulated environments through digital twin technology and real-time sensor fusion. SIMRES enables operators to:

• Train with real weapons systems in dynamic virtual conditions
• Distinguish between cover and concealment
• View engagements and outcomes in interactive 3D after-action reviews
• Collect and analyse performance data for improved learning

Unlike traditional laser-based FoF systems, SIMRES supports full ballistic realism, including training effects for a broader spectrum of munitions. This allows personnel to train as they would fight, across mission types and unit configurations.

Reducing cost and risk, enhancing decision-making

One of the most tangible benefits of simulation environments like ACES and SIMRES is their ability to minimise the cost, logistical complexity, and risk of live training. For example, ACES allows commanders to stress-test deployment strategies or logistics chains in a digital twin of the battlefield—well before boots hit the ground.

At the same time, SIMRES reduces dependence on physical ranges and infrastructure by replicating them in the virtual world. This is particularly valuable for coalition training, where cross-national interoperability must be validated in controlled but realistic environments.

Simulation also supports faster learning loops. Immediate feedback, data-rich visualisations, and repeatable scenarios accelerate skills development and improve decision confidence—especially in high-tempo environments like cyber operations, air combat or contested logistics.

The future of simulation: AI, autonomy and human-machine teaming

Lockheed Martin sees simulation as more than a training tool—it is a strategic enabler for future capabilities. As military systems grow more autonomous and data-driven, the simulation platforms must evolve accordingly.

That is why the company is integrating AI-powered decision support, autonomous behaviour modelling, and multi-domain coordination logic into ACES and SIMRES. These technologies enable joint task forces to rehearse scenarios involving autonomous wingmen, cyberattacks, contested space assets, and other future warfighting elements.

Simulation thus becomes a proving ground for next-generation operations, from doctrine development to mission rehearsal.