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Chief of the Air Staff opens Gladiator, the RAF's new synthetic training system

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston KCB CBE ADC, has opened Gladiator, Air’s new Distributed Synthetic Multi Domain Integration Training capability at the Air Battlespace Training Centre at RAF Waddington.

Image show RAF aviators and civilians in group photo outside Air Battlespace Training Centre.

Operating from a new purpose-built facility, Gladiator will be a world-leading synthetic training system which links synthetic training devices (simulators) to a central hub, enabling operators from force elements across the Land, Maritime and Air environments to train safely and securely together. The scale, complexity, and security of the training provided by the new system is unparalleled within Europe.

Image shows the Chief of the Air Staff with RAF aviators and civilians looking at desktop computers.

A number of factors impact the UK’s ability to complete all necessary training in the live environment. These include airspace constraints, environmental considerations, cost, and operational security. Gladiator will overcome these limitations by safeguarding highly classified information whilst linking together simulators across the country and beyond.

Image show the Chief of the Air Staff sat at a table signing a book, with the Air Battlespace Training Centre badge on the wall.

Air, Land, Maritime, Space and Cyber capabilities will be integrated over coming years, alongside increased connectivity with Allies and Partners, further strengthening Gladiator’s capability to deliver world-class synthetic Multi Domain Integration training.

Gladiator will enable our forces to trial, test, and practise their tactics in a secure environment, linked across all operational domains. It is an invaluable training tool for the next generation of warfighters across air, space, land, cyber and sea.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston
Chief of the Air Staff

Image shows the Chief of the Air Staff with RAF aviators and civilians looking at desktop computers.

Gladiator will not replace live flying but will complement it enabling each training activity to be completed in the most effective environment. This innovative capability has required significant development and collaboration between the MOD and industry partners

Delivering this world-leading, technologically advanced, and innovative Multi Domain Integration capability has required significant development and collaboration between the MOD and industry partners.

Gladiator will support sustainability initiatives by helping to reduce the environmental footprint of collective training. It will allow for more complex training to occur in a structured setting and reduce the cost of carrying out real life training while helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Air Commodore Ian Townsend
Assistant Chief of Staff Combat Air

Image shows the Chief of the Air Staff looking at a large digital screen.

Synthetic training complements live training opportunities and enables delivery of effective combat forces. Initial integrations are Typhoon, Lightning (F-35), Airseeker (RC-135 Rivet Joint), and the Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer, with other platforms scheduled to join in due course.

Image shows the Chief of the Air Staff and a RAF aviator shaking hands outside.

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