From Catterick to Germany: The Network Behind British Army Training

Today, Saab's Training & Simulation network spans seven specialist sites, stretching from Andover and Catterick to Brecon and Lympstone, and Paderborn in Germany. Together, these sites help train everyone from new infantry recruits and Royal Marines Commandos to soldiers taking part in large-scale collective exercises involving thousands of personnel.

Recent exercises such as Rhino Storm, which brought together more than 3,000 personnel from the British Army's 7th Light Mechanised Brigade, demonstrate the value of realistic, data-driven training. However, what many people don't see is the infrastructure and expertise behind the scenes that make such training possible.

A Network Built Around Readiness

At the heart of Saab's approach is a simple principle: soldiers learn best when training reflects operational reality.

Across our Training & Simulation facilities, personnel can undertake increasingly complex training, progressing from individual skills through to platoon, company and brigade-level operations. Whether training in open terrain, urban environments or combined arms scenarios, the focus remains the same – providing realistic experiences followed by objective feedback.

This capability is delivered through several key locations across the UK and Germany.

In Catterick, Saab supports training at the Infantry Training Centre, helping develop the next generation of infantry soldiers. At Brecon's Infantry Battle School, training focuses on tactical development and preparing soldiers for increasingly demanding operational scenarios.

At the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Exmouth, Saab's systems support the rigorous training programme that prepares personnel for operational service in the Royal Marines. Meanwhile, collective training locations across the UK and Germany enable larger-scale exercises that bring together personnel, vehicles and equipment from multiple units and nations. These are primarily supported from Westdown Camp and Paderborn. 

Supporting this network is Heywood House, which serves as a logistics hub, ensuring equipment, maintenance and operational support are available wherever they are required.

Most recently, Saab expanded its footprint with the opening of a new Training & Simulation facility in Andover, reinforcing our long-term commitment to supporting British Army training and operational readiness.

Training the Modern Force

Modern military training requires much more than blank-firing exercises and tactical manoeuvres.

Saab's live training systems are designed to provide realistic battlefield effects while capturing detailed data that can be used to improve performance. High-fidelity simulators replicate the effects of weapons, vehicles and battlefield engagements, providing soldiers with realistic outcomes and consequences from their decisions.

The capability extends from individual soldiers through to exercises involving thousands of participants, as seen with Exercise Rhino Storm.

For dismounted troops, Saab's Personnel Detection Devices provide realistic combat effects and engagement simulation. Vehicle-mounted systems enable crews operating platforms such as reconnaissance and patrol vehicles to train in realistic tactical environments while capturing valuable performance data.

Specialist outdoor training systems also allow soldiers to practise using anti-tank weapons including Carl-Gustaf, AT4 and NLAW, replicating ballistic trajectories and engagement effects without the costs associated with live ammunition.

The result is training that builds confidence, develops decision-making and improves readiness whilst remaining safe, repeatable and measurable.

The View Few People See

One of the most impressive aspects of Saab's capability sits behind the scenes.

At the centre of major exercises is the Exercise Control Centre (EXCON) – the hub responsible for planning, managing and evaluating training activity.

Using an interoperable suite of software tools, EXCON allows exercise managers to monitor activity across entire training areas in real time. Soldiers, vehicles and key events can be tracked and analysed, providing a detailed understanding of what's taking place on the battlefield.

The scale is significant. Saab's Combat Training Centre capability can support up to 10,000 participants across an area of 40km x 40km, enabling objective assessment at a scale matching modern military requirements.

Importantly, the value extends beyond the exercise itself.

Detailed after-action reviews can be generated quickly, providing commanders and soldiers with the feedback needed to improve tactical performance, refine decision-making and identify lessons learned.

More Than Technology

While advanced simulation systems underpin the training environment, they are only part of the story. Saab also provides extensive Contractor Logistic Support, Operational Support and Engineering Support, ensuring equipment remains available and effective throughout its lifecycle.

This support often sees Saab personnel embedded alongside military users, helping maintain systems, provide technical expertise and enable training to continue without interruption.

It is a model that has been refined through decades of partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence and the British Army.

Preparing Forces for Tomorrow

The opening of Saab UK's newest Training & Simulation facility in Andover reflects our continued investment in supporting British Army readiness and our long-term commitment to UK defence.

As military requirements evolve, so too does the need for realistic, scalable and effective training. Saab remains focused on ensuring that British soldiers, Marines and commanders have access to the tools, technology and support they need to prepare for tomorrow's challenges.

We are proud that our Training & Simulation network supports military personnel throughout their journey – from their earliest days of training to major collective exercises involving thousands of troops.

Because while technology plays a vital role, the ultimate purpose is much simpler.

It's about helping the men and women of the UK's Armed Forces develop the skills, confidence and experience they need to succeed to help keep people and society safe.