UK Ministry of Defence awards £2bn contract for virtual soldier training

Skyral, a key member of a consortium that secured a £2 billion Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract, has been tasked with developing advanced simulation tools to aid armed forces in planning and executing complex operations. The contract, awarded in early July, aims to provide a realistic, data‑rich environment where commanders can model scenarios, test decision pathways, and assess outcomes before committing resources on the ground.

Under the agreement, Skyral will deliver a suite of modular simulation modules that integrate live‑action data, terrain mapping, and population dynamics. A highlighted use case involves a virtual NATO convoy navigating Riga’s Lāčplēša iela and Tērbatas iela streets, where a sudden explosion triggers a tank to burst into flame. The scenario, set on a sunny July day, incorporates real street layouts, local businesses such as kebab shops and a pharmacy, and a diverse pedestrian population modeled after Riga’s demographics. By simulating such high‑intensity events, the tools are designed to improve decision‑making speed, reduce operational risk, and enhance force readiness.

The MoD’s investment underscores a broader push toward digital warfighting capabilities, with Skyral’s contribution expected to accelerate training cycles and support joint‑force interoperability. As the consortium moves into the development phase, the simulation platform will be tested in live exercises, setting a new benchmark for how modern militaries prepare for unpredictable battlefield conditions.