I/ITSEC 2025 Debrief: Is the Industry Shifting Away from Big Simulators?
If you walked the floor at I/ITSEC this year and felt like there were fewer full-motion simulators than in years past — you weren’t imagining it. While I/ITSEC is still the world’s largest MS&T conference, the type of technology showcased is changing.
This doesn’t mean the DoD is abandoning simulation. Far from it. But it is evolving toward more flexible, AI-enabled, scalable training ecosystems.
Here’s what stood out:
1. Virtual & Synthetic Training Are Moving to Center Stage
Coverage from Breaking Defense and National Defense Magazine aligns with what many attendees observed:
Virtual, constructive, and synthetic environments are becoming the backbone of modern training pipelines.
Why?
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They scale more easily than massive physical platforms
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They adapt faster to new threats (especially dynamic air and cyber scenarios)
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They allow earlier-career trainees to rehearse missions safely before entering live environments
Experts are clear: LVC (Live–Virtual–Constructive) is no longer optional. It’s a DoD priority.
2. Big Simulators Are Not Gone — But the Spotlight Has Shifted
Post-show commentary from exhibitors and attendees noted a clear trend: many booths emphasized advancements that were software-driven rather than hardware-dominant.
What stood out across the floor:
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Software-driven training
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Portable simulation stations
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Cloud-delivered training ecosystems
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AI-assisted scenario generation
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Scalable, lower-footprint training solutions
These systems may not be as visually dramatic as a motion platform, but they are:
✔ Easier to field
✔ Cheaper to maintain
✔ Easier to update
✔ Deployable across multiple bases or units
In an era of tight budgets and rapidly evolving tech, flexibility is winning.
3. Domain-Specific Training Is Rising — Especially Drones
I/ITSEC showcased a surge in drone and unmanned systems training, including:
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Operator simulation
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Threat recognition
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Multi-domain mission rehearsal
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Red/blue team drone behavior modeling
This reflects where the DoD is increasing investment — and the reality that modern conflict requires entirely new training pipelines.
Unmanned systems are no longer niche; they’re a core capability. And training is evolving to match.
4. Smaller, More Deployable Systems Dominate the Floor
Portable sim vendors highlighted a strong push toward:
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Tablet or console-based immersive training
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VR/AR systems with minimal setup
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Rapid-deployment simulation kits
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AI-enabled scenario tools that instructors can modify in real time
These solutions let units train:
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At the point of need
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Without freight teams
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Without permanent infrastructure
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On shorter notice and lower budgets
This isn’t less simulation — it’s smarter simulation.
5. Attendance Felt Lower — But Interest Was Not
Official numbers aren’t published for 2025 yet, but historical context helps:
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2024 attendance: ~18,500 participants
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Peak attendance historically: ~20,000 (early 2010s)
6. Strategic Shift: Not Less Training — Just Smarter Training
Across the DoD, industry, and academia, the message is consistent:
Training is not shrinking.
It is transforming.
The future is:
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Integrated LVC
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AI-enabled instruction
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Human–machine teaming
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More modular, distributed training ecosystems
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Domain-specific tools (cyber, drones, medical sim, JTAC, etc.)
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Software-first approaches to readiness
Physical sims remain essential for many high-risk or tactile skill sets — but they are now part of a much broader, more flexible training architecture.
Engenium’s Take
For companies supporting the MS&T space — whether through engineering, technical workforce solutions, or program support — this shift means:
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Demand for systems engineers, software engineers, AI/ML developers, and field technicians will continue to grow
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Programs will increasingly require contractors who understand AI-assisted training ecosystems
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Workforce readiness will be measured not just by hardware expertise but by adaptability across digital training pipelines
If I/ITSEC showed us anything this year, it’s that training isn’t going away.
It’s evolving — and quickly.
Need Surge Support or Specialized Talent for 2026 Programs?
As the MS&T industry shifts toward AI-enabled ecosystems, LVC integration, and lighter, software-first training solutions, the talent required to execute these programs is changing just as fast.
Engenium supports primes, OEMs, and emerging tech companies with:
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Rapid surge staffing for engineering-heavy programs
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Cleared systems, software, and AI/ML talent
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Field technicians for distributed training platforms
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Proposal support and Key Personnel sourcing
Let’s make sure your talent pipeline keeps pace. email: j.irving@engeniuminc.com
