Omnia Training secures contract to transform British Army training

Omnia Training, led by Raytheon UK, has been awarded a £2bn contract by the UK Ministry of Defence to deliver the Army’s Collective Training Service, or ACTS. The contract – underpinned by a collaborative partnership of prominent consortium members including Capita, Cervus, Rheinmetall UK and Skyral – marks a significant step in redefining the British Army’s training landscape.

Why it matters: This contract marks a pivotal development in the British Army’s training modernisation. It is expected to double the Army’s fighting power within three years and triple it by the decade’s end. Omnia’s approach integrates next-generation synthetic technologies and advanced data analytics to create a seamless, immersive training environment that prepares soldiers for the complexity of future conflicts.

• Digital twin technology enables soldiers to train in realistic, integrated and adversarial scenarios that closely reflect real-world challenges.
• By leveraging UK-based technology and expertise, the programme aims to enhance the Army’s operational readiness and adaptability.

Details: The Omnia ACTS framework uses a three-layer approach – Training, Systems and Services – to strengthen the Army’s training capabilities through the following methodologies:

• Training Layer: Known as the Combat Laboratory, this environment uses digital twin technology to seamlessly blend live, virtual and constructive training scenarios, supporting comprehensive, 21st-century manoeuvre training.
• Systems Layer: Utilises gaming industry technology to integrate modular elements, enabling rapid updates and improvements. This layer is optimised for AI and machine learning tools, improving training analysis and performance metrics with ethical oversight to ensure accuracy.
• Services Layer: Supported by a Joint Enterprise Team, this layer operationalises data and technology, facilitating dynamic resource allocation and breaking down capability stovepipes for more agile training delivery.

By the numbers: The £2bn contract is expected to create 270 new jobs and sustain 150 existing roles, supporting economic growth and innovation across the UK defence sector.

The backdrop: Omnia Training’s success is driven by a collaborative approach that brings together subject matter experts and industry partners. This strategy strengthens the supply chain and accelerates the integration of cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.

• The partnership emphasises onshoring European technology and leveraging local expertise to ensure a resilient, agile defence infrastructure.

Zoom out: Omnia’s transformation of Army training goes beyond technological upgrades. It represents a fundamental shift in how the British Army works with industry, setting a new benchmark for military training. The initiative ensures the UK Armed Forces are better prepared for evolving threats, with the confidence and capability needed for future challenges.

What they’re saying:

“Our UK‑based team of innovators, engineers and experts will give soldiers and commanders a new level of training realism and set an example for effective collaboration between the Army and industry,” said James Gray, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Raytheon UK.

What’s next: As Omnia Training moves toward full operational capability by 2030, it will continue evolving its training methods to meet the ever-changing demands of modern warfare. This forward-thinking approach is designed to keep the British Army at the forefront of defence innovation, ensuring soldiers are prepared for emerging threats.