Live Laser-Based Training and Simulation Platforms Market

Market Overview

The global live laser-based training and simulation platforms market size was valued at USD 1,020.10 million in 2022. It is projected to reach USD 1,859.70 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.90% during the forecast period (2023-2031). 

Highlights

• The vehicle equipment segment is the highest contributor to the market by application.
• North America is the major contributor by region.

Real laser-based training and simulation platforms aid in acclimating enlisted personnel to various weaponry to perform well in real-world conditions. These types of training aid pupils in developing a high level of mind-body coordination in a risk-free environment. Military defense and security forces can receive training services and systems from live laser-based training and simulation platforms. Live laser-based training and simulation platforms allow trainees to become familiar with various weapons to function well in realistic situations. In a risk-free setting, these kinds of training aid in developing solid mind-body coordination while preparing recruits for combat. The major industrial participants provide a wide range of product portfolios to meet the needs of the world's armed defense and security forces.

The growth of the global market for live laser-based training and simulation platforms can be attributed to the rising demand for live training and the escalation of political and social unrest across the globe. On the other hand, the market for live laser-based training and simulation platforms is anticipated to experience significant growth opportunities due to increased defense expenditures in emerging economies.

Market Dynamics

Global Live Laser-Based Training and Simulation Platforms Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Live Training

Live training allows recruits to become familiar with various weapons to function well in realistic situations. In a risk-free setting, these kinds of training aid in developing solid mind-body coordination while preparing recruits for combat. There is an urgent need for risk-free live training because numerous incidents have resulted in the loss of armed forces members on a global scale. For instance, in the US in 2017, nearly four times as many military personnel died in training accidents as those killed in battle, according to a House Armed Services Committee study connected to the National Defense Authorization Act for the fiscal year 2019.

Global Live Laser-Based Training and Simulation Platforms Market Restraint

Laser-Based Technologies are Being Added to the Indoor Training System

For outdoor training modules, laser-based solutions are frequently more appropriate. The indoor training system's laser-based technology limitations restrain market expansion. Due to its ability to lower the inherent expenses involved with outdoor training activities, such as the overhead costs of moving workers, assets, and equipment to sites, indoor training systems are becoming increasingly popular. Due to this, training and simulation tools that rely on virtual reality have increased (VR). Due to considerable developments in VR technology, VR-based training may be replaced, further restraining the market growth. Thus, the inability of indoor training systems to incorporate laser-based technologies is anticipated to impede market growth for live laser-based training and simulation platforms over the forecast period.

Global Live Laser-Based Training and Simulation Platforms Market Opportunities

Growing Global Civil Unrest and Political Disputes

Political conflicts and civil unrest have become more prevalent worldwide in recent years. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reports that since 2009, there have been an average of 11.5% more large-scale demonstrations worldwide. In addition, according to Cross-National Time Series, IEP calculations, from 2011 to 2018, among the Global Peace Index Regions, approximately 64% of protests were peaceful, 6% were general strikes, and the remaining 30% were riots, accounting for roughly 2,200 riots. The surge in political conflicts and social unrest worldwide is anticipated to fuel market expansion for live laser-based training and simulation platforms.

Regional Analysis

The global live laser-based training and simulation platforms market is bifurcated into four regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. 

North America is the major contributor and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20% during the forecast period. The US and Canada are separate segments of the North American market for live laser-based training and simulation platforms. Due to the rising need for simulation-based training, North America dominated the global live laser-based training and simulation platforms market. Future Integrated Training Environment (FITE), created by the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre (CADTC), is a working model for how the Army intends to use existing and developing modeling and simulation technology to design a framework for live, virtual, and constructive training. The FITE team has been disseminating the idea and gathering feedback to create standards through a global working group known as Modelling, Instrumentation, and Simulation for Training Systems (MIST) within the ABCANZ (America, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) framework.

Europe is expected to boost at a CAGR of 5.15% during the forecast period. Europe dominates the market for live laser-based training and simulation platforms. Due to the highly developed regulatory norms, significant research and development infrastructure, and rising expenditure for training personnel employed in defense services, it is the second-largest market leader after North America. Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and the rest of Europe are the regions that make up the market for live laser-based training and simulation platforms in Europe. A three-year agreement was signed in April 2020 by the Swedish aerospace and military corporation Saab and the U.K. Ministry of Defence to provide services and support for the Direct Fire Weapon Effects Simulator (DFWES) capability.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to experience a favorable development rate due to the rising number of combat soldiers, military equipment, and joint military training exercises during the projection period. China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the rest of Asia-Pacific comprise the region. It is currently ranked third in the live laser-based training and simulation platforms market. The military departments in Asia-Pacific nations seek to get into long-term training agreements with businesses. For instance, the Australian Minister for Defence Industry granted InVeris Training Solutions (Georgia, US) a contract to produce 14 simulators by July 2021. It will deliver and support a digital Mobile Weapons Training Simulation System (MWTSS).

The Middle East and Africa would show minor market growth due to numerous obstacles like inadequate infrastructure and lower adoption rates. Due to the current political unrest in the region, growth is predicted to be moderate. The market is also anticipated to grow slowly because only a few manufacturers exist. On the other hand, only a small number of Arab nations encourage the expansion of homegrown businesses. Kenya's military was considering purchasing multiple integrated laser engagement systems (MILES) used by the US for training in August 2019. The British Army will receive tactical engagement simulation in Kenya thanks to a five-year contract the UK Ministry of Defense (MOD) has given to Ravenswood Solutions (US) (TESIK).

Segmental Analysis

The global live laser-based training and simulation platforms market is segmented by application.

Based on application, the global live laser-based training and simulation platforms market is bifurcated into body, weapon, building, and vehicle equipment.

The vehicle equipment segment is the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.25% during the forecast period. Each vehicle and crew unit can have complete situational awareness of the exercises in the more extensive training system thanks to the monitoring and analysis of the simulated vehicle exercises. Vehicle equipment is mounted on mechanized and armored vehicles, enabling communication over a sizable training area and connecting soldier and vehicle participants. The threat level may be determined, and ballistics data can be understood using the attached laser detectors, laser transmitters, and status indicators.

The advantages of understanding the behaviors, handling, backblast, weight, balance, and ballistic characteristics of weapons up close while training effectively can be contributed to the segment's growth in the equipment market for weapons. It is crucial to simulate velocity and trajectories using the sensors and decoders installed on weapons. Furthermore, it's believed that the firearm equipment's connectivity would improve acceptability, allowing for real-time viewing and automatic matching with various technologies. An illustration would be the hand grenade simulator, Armour Combat Training System (ZEN ACTS), TacSim Tactical Engagement Simulator (Zen TacSim), and other training aids offered by Zen Technologies Limited (India).

Building equipment permits monitoring of individuals or vehicles entering or exiting buildings, the effect of grenades or ammunition fire on the buildings, the level of destruction in the immediate area, and the formation of debris that could strike troops. The expansion of this market segment is predicted to be fueled by increasing public awareness of urban conflict.

Adding a real-time network of laser-based simulation body equipment to training exercises to ensure risk mitigation and mission preparedness has assisted military organizations in lowering the cost of training. For troops, Marines, sailors, and security personnel, the U.S.-based Cubic Corporation offers the Instrumented-Multiple Integrated Laser Combat System (I-MILES), which produces lifelike tactical engagement simulation scenarios. Additionally, it provides Personal Area Network (PAN) for the reception, evaluation, and display of the simulated weapon effects that an infantry soldier has experienced. Gladiator Body Equipment from the Swiss aircraft engineering firm RUAG Holding includes adaptability and interoperability with training apparatus. This segment's market share in the live laser-based training and simulation platforms is expected to grow as more training-related goods are available from different vendors.

Recent Developments

• December 2022- LMT-listed Lockheed Martin Corporation and Sintavia, LLC announced a partnership to advance the study of metal additive manufacturing (AM) possibilities as a replacement for castings and forgings. AM, often known as 3D printing, can increase the efficiency of current supply chains for castings and forgings and produce parts with a higher level of detail and more design options. Sintavia supports many programs for creating and making metal additive parts as a supplier of AM to Lockheed Martin. The new partnership will investigate further fields of AM technologies, including friction stir AM, electron beam-directed energy deposition, and laser powder bed fusion.