As defence environments become increasingly complex, advanced training and simulation have emerged as critical pillars of operational readiness. Global training and simulation company CAE has built a strong and growing presence in the Middle East for more than two decades, working closely with regional defence and security forces.
In this context, Al Jundi Journal interviewed Thibaut Trancart, Vice President, Domestic Markets, CAE Defence & Security, International, to discuss CAE’s strategic priorities, and had the following dialogue with him:
Tell us about yourself and your professional journey leading up to your current role as Vice President, Domestic Markets, at CAE Defence & Security, International
I joined CAE in 2020 as Managing Director for the Middle East, a role that allowed me to work closely with defence and security stakeholders across the region and to build on CAE’s long-established presence here. Over time, I progressed into more senior leadership positions, including Vice President and Managing Director for Europe and the Middle East (EMEA), before assuming my current role.
Today, I am responsible for leading and developing CAE’s multi-country domestic strategy. This involves leveraging the company’s long-term footprint in various markets, driving sustainable growth, strengthening customer engagement, and further enhancing our mission and operational services.
CAE has a strong and growing presence in the Middle East. How does the region fit into CAE’s global strategy, and what makes the UAE a particularly important partner in advancing defence training and readiness?
The Middle East is an important part of CAE’s global strategy, and we’ve been active in the region for more than 20 years, forging strong partnerships with governments, defence forces, airlines, and OEMs. Our core mission has always been to deliver world-class training and operational support that ensures defence personnel are mission-ready. The UAE’s focus on innovation and sovereign capability aligns perfectly with our vision. We collaborate closely with local partners to advance national priorities, transfer knowledge, and co-develop cutting-edge training solutions. By introducing new levels of training sophistication, CAE provides effective solutions that meet the expectations of next-generation military personnel while addressing today’s operational demands.
As defence forces adopt increasingly complex platforms and multi-domain operations, how is CAE evolving its training solutions to ensure defence forces remain operationally ready and future-prepared?
Operational readiness depends on more than just equipment. It really depends on the combination of skilled personnel, advanced mission systems, and sustainable capabilities, all coming together through effective training. When training works, it connects these elements, boosting confidence, sharpening decision-making, and creating realistic mission environments.
Today’s battlespace is complex, and defence forces across air, land, and sea need to operate seamlessly across domains, which is why joint, all-domain training is no longer optional; it’s an essential requirement.
CAE is addressing this challenge with an integrated approach that blends innovation, cutting-edge technology, and close collaboration. Our goal is to deliver training solutions that keep forces mission-ready today and prepared for the future.
How is CAE leveraging advanced simulation, data analytics, and digital twins to enhance training realism, efficiency, and effectiveness?
As military systems grow more complex, CAE is evolving training through advanced innovations that deliver realistic, efficient, and effective training for multi-domain operations.
At the core is CAE’s Integrated Learning Ecosystem (ILE), which uses real-time analytics, AI insights, and personalised learning paths to improve outcomes. Centralised data and performance tracking enhance instructor efficiency, student engagement, and system performance. The ILE supports competency-based learning, interoperability, predictive analytics, and automation to reduce administrative load and boost readiness.
CAE also integrates augmented reality/virtual reality for immersive experiences and digital twins to replicate complex platforms, enabling realistic training without the cost or risk of live exercises. Its modular, scalable design connects new and legacy devices, unifies content management, and enables career-long performance tracking.
This ecosystem approach ensures training remains resilient, efficient, and relevant as technology and mission demands evolve, building a more agile defence force that is ready for today and prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
How important is integrated, joint training in today’s defence environment, and how does CAE enable interoperability across air, land, and maritime forces?
Integrated, joint training is critical in today’s defence environment because modern missions span multiple domains, including air, land, maritime, cyber, and space. A successful mission depends on seamless coordination; a gap in one area can compromise the entire mission.
CAE enables interoperability by creating integrated training ecosystems that connect people, systems, and processes. Through world-leading Training Systems Integration (TSI) and tailored Modelling & Simulation (M&S) solutions, enabling Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) training in synthetic environments, we deliver realistic, secure environments where forces can train together and rehearse complex missions. These joint exercises enhance coordination, reduce risk, and prepare teams for real-world challenges by allowing them to practice decision-making and interoperability in a controlled setting.
How does CAE approach localisation, skills development, and in-country support when partnering with defence organisations in the UAE and the wider region?
We know the region well, and we understand what our customers need. We aim to be a trusted, long-term partner in the region by delivering global expertise, innovative training solutions, and supporting national vision and objectives. Our approach is all about partnership and being close to the people we support. This proximity ensures tailored solutions and real-time support, leveraging CAE’s global expertise while adapting to local priorities. Beyond operational delivery, we are committed to growing local talent and transferring knowledge. CAE brings access to some of the world’s most advanced training capabilities and shares best practices to co-develop new competencies with our partners. This approach embeds cutting-edge tactics and technologies within regional defence organisations, helping to build sustainable capability for the future.
Looking ahead, how do you see the future of military training evolving, and what strategic priorities will guide CAE, as it continues to support defence forces in building readiness, resilience, and technological superiority?
As the military landscape evolves, global defence forces must also rethink how their personnel are trained. While traditional methods may have worked in the past, today’s complex, data-driven platforms and multi-domain operations require new solutions. Defence forces need training that’s smarter, more efficient, and ready for the realities of modern missions.
Training is being shaped by advanced simulation, digital technologies, and learning science. Today’s trainees expect personalised, on-demand experiences, which CAE is already delivering. We’re integrating adaptive learning, AI, and immersive tools like AR and VR to create dynamic programs that adjust to individual progress, accelerate learning, and ease the burden on instructors.
We’re also evolving delivery models with better content creation, trainee management, and analytics to provide instructors with powerful tools. Our goal is to keep training relevant, scalable, and interoperable so defence forces stay ready, resilient, and technologically ahead.
Would you like to send any message to the defence community in general, or in the UAE in particular?
For more than 20 years, CAE has been proud to work alongside defence forces in the UAE and across the region. We know the market, we understand the challenges, and our goal is to be the trusted partner defence forces can count on for training and operational support.
We bring together advanced simulation, immersive technologies, and strong partnerships to help defence organisations stay ready for any mission. Whether it’s protecting airspace, securing maritime routes, or operating on the ground, our solutions and training expertise ensure defence forces are ready, capable, and confident to carry out their missions. Our commitment is to work hand in hand with the defence community in the region, share knowledge, help build skills, and foster collaboration to strengthen the readiness and resilience of defence forces.
» Interviewed by: ALJUNDI
