Calian Ltd., a figure in the defence training sector, has announced its collaboration with FORC3, a consortium of Canadian defence and technology providers, to advance the Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) for the Canadian Army.

This partnership aims to elevate training methodologies with simulation technologies.

Canada is ramping up its military investments in response to growing geopolitical tensions and evolving security threats. The Canadian Armed Forces are set to receive financial boosts for modernisation and expansion, as outlined in GlobalData’s Canada Defense Market 2023–2028 report, projecting a $2.4bn growth from 2024 to 2028.

Uniting forces for superior training solutions

Calian’s addition to the FORC3 team marks a moment in Canada’s evolution of military training systems. Calian has delivered simulation and training services to the Canadian Army and Nato allies.

Rheinmetall unveiled the FORC3 team for the Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) project two years ago.

Calian’s capabilities now further strengthen the FORC3 team, which includes Rheinmetall Canada, Lockheed Martin Canada, ADGA Group, Bluedrop Training and Simulation, EllisDon Construction and Building Services, and REDspace Incorporated. This collaboration focuses on interoperability and multi-domain data integration.

Enhancing training with technology

Calian’s role in the partnership brings technology-driven solutions to the table. Their Virtual Command and Control Interface (VCCI) tool suite exemplifies their federating multiple simulation, C4ISR, and AI-enabled data analytics systems. These tools are designed to deliver realistic training scenarios and after-action reviews crucial for improving operational decision-making.

“Calian complements FORC3’s technical and operational capabilities,” said Pietro Mazzei, CEO of Rheinmetall Canada. “We are very excited and confident that our combined solution and experience represents a compelling value proposition for the Canadian Army.”

Donald Whitty, president of Learning at Calian, expressed similar enthusiasm, stating, “Calian is thrilled to bring its advanced simulation and interoperability solutions to the forefront of the FORC3 partnership. With our proven track record in designing and executing comprehensive, multi-domain training environments, we are uniquely equipped to enhance the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Canadian Army.”

Strategic implications for defence training

The FORC3 team operates across 40 global training centres for NATO and the Five-Eyes Alliance, which shows the potential for exports and enhances national and allied defence capabilities.

As FORC3 prepares for the final stages of the LVCTS programme proposal, the collaboration with Calian symbolises a commitment to providing the Canadian Army with training systems, ensuring that troops are prepared for the complexities of modern combat environments.

Concurrently, the Royal Canadian Air Force recently announced that it is undergoing a massive recapitalisation. An $11.2bn (C$15.34bn) investment was announced for the Future Aircrew Training programme, which aims to acquire more than 70 training aircraft from SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership.