Industry: Military Aircraft & Defense Electronics (Aerospace & Defense)
Source: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/military-simulation-and-training-market
Scraped Date: 2026-09-17
| Market Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Market Size | USD 14.29 billion |
| Projected Forecast (2031) | USD 14.29 billion |
| Growth Rate (CAGR) | 4.93 % |
| Largest Market Region | N/A |
| Fastest-Growing Region | N/A |
!Major players in Military Simulation and Training industry
!Military Simulation and Training Market Size
!Military Simulators and Training Market: Defense Expenditure, in USD billion, By Region, 2022
!Military Simulators and Training Market: Market CAGR (%), By Region, Global, 2023
!Military Simulation and Training Market Concentration
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Market Overview
Study Period | 2020 - 2031 |
Market Size (2026) | USD 14.29 Billion |
Market Size (2031) | USD 18.17 Billion |
Growth Rate (2026 - 2031) | 4.93 % |
Fastest Growing Market | North America |
Largest Market | North America |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Military Simulation and Training Market Analysis by Vijeron IntelligenceThe Military Simulation And Training Market size was valued at USD 13.62 billion in 2025 and estimated to grow from USD 14.29 billion in 2026 to reach USD 18.17 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 4.93% during the forecast period (2026-2031).
The continued growth in global defense spending combined with the increased need for skilled forces to successfully navigate and operate various new combat vehicles is expected to propel the growth of the military simulators and training market during the forecast period.
The growth in demand for military vehicles across the land, sea, and aerial platforms is the primary driver of the market growth. Several countries are modernizing their military fleet by inducting newer generation vehicle platforms, generating a simultaneous demand for simulation-based training for the military personnel on these platforms, thereby propelling the market prospects of the affiliate military simulators.
The training of pilots and military personnel in real aircraft, land vehicles, and ships involves multiple risks and sometimes may lead to hazardous situations and fatalities. Simulators provide a realistic experience and safety training for beginners. This need for safe and efficient training is also driving the simulator market.
Product development in the simulators market is lengthy, as it takes a significant amount of time to develop a replica of any aircraft tested. They also need to comply with safety and regulatory management issues, making it a challenge to deliver the required simulators on time.
Note: Market size and forecast figures in this report are generated using Vijeron Intelligence’s proprietary estimation framework, updated with the latest available data and insights as of 2026.
Global Military Simulation and Training Market Trends and InsightsAerial Segment is Expected to Experience the Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
The increasing adoption of newer aircraft that incorporate complex technologies in the military may require pilots to familiarize themselves with the latest equipment and systems. The growing adoption of advanced aircraft is also driving demand for military aerospace simulation and training solutions, enabling pilots and aircrews to develop operational skills in realistic and controlled environments. In such situations, providing hands-on experience may be difficult due to high-cost involvement. In such cases, the simulators act as the preferred option.
For instance, the operating cost of the USAF's F-35A is estimated to be about USD 44,000 per flight hour. In this regard, the F-35 pilots are first trained on simulators instead of the actual aircraft, which helps in cost-cutting. Pilots are typically trained for about 30 hours on the F-35 full-mission simulators before getting airborne on their first sortie in the F-35.
Lockheed Martin Corporation is also planning to connect full-mission simulators in the US and the UK through a software upgrade, allowing the Air Force pilots in these countries to virtually train with one another across international borders. Furthermore, the US Air Force (USAF) aims to deploy and connect more full-mission simulators in the years to come. Such initiatives also help the militaries increase interoperability without conducting joint military exercises on actual aircraft.
With the interest of the defense departments of major countries in utilizing flight simulator training, the demand for simulators that cater to the needs of aircraft and military pilot training is skyrocketing. As a result, new purchases and product innovations to supply the most advanced military aircraft training activities have been taking place in the market.
Similarly, in August 2022, Northrop Grumman Corporation & Terma A/S signed an MoU to collaborate on electronic warfare simulation & training opportunities in Northern Europe. Fourth & 5th generation aircraft will likely receive realistic air combat training due to the company’s simulation & training capabilities.
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Competitive Landscape
The military simulation and training market is semi-consolidated and dominated by players such as Collins Aerospace (RTX Corporation), CAE Inc., Rheinmetall AG, FlightSafety International Inc., and THALES. Simulator manufacturers are required to build a brand and reach out to geographical extremes to get customers. Manufacturers may have the first-mover advantage if they can attract customers for the simulators for new vehicle platforms, as simulators tend to be reconfigured or upgraded to support newer variants, providing the players with continuous revenue inflow.
Mergers and acquisitions are expected to help the players by increasing their addressable market. For instance, in March 2021, CAE Inc. announced the acquisition of L3Harris Technologies' Military Training business for USD 1.05 billion. Such acquisitions are expected to help the companies expand their market presence and their revenue share in the market during the forecast period. In the coming future, growing demand from end-users is expected to create some intense competitive rivalry where the companies offering the best products for a limited budget, along with other affiliate services, will reap the most benefits.
Military Simulation and Training Industry Leaders* Rheinmetall AG
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This market covers spending on military simulation and training solutions used by defense forces to prepare personnel for missions. It includes simulator hardware, training software, and related support that supports structured training outcomes across services.
Scope exclusions: it excludes purely live-only field exercises without simulation content. It also excludes general classroom education that is not tied to simulation tools or training systems.
The Military Simulation And Training Market size is expected to reach USD 14.29 billion in 2026 and grow at a CAGR of 4.93% to reach USD 18.17 billion by 2031.
In 2026, the Military Simulation And Training Market size is expected to reach USD 14.29 billion.
Rheinmetall AG, CAE Inc., THALES, FlightSafety International Inc. and Collins Aerospace (RTX Corporation) are the major companies operating in the Military Simulation And Training Market.
North America is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2026-2031).
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Military Simulation And Training Market.
In 2024, the Military Simulation And Training Market size was estimated at USD 12.91 billion. The report covers the Military Simulation And Training Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Military Simulation And Training Market size for years: 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 and 2031.