Dubai Airshow 2025 – CAE’s Digital Ecosystem revolutionising defence training and planning

The Dubai Airshow 2025 brings together cutting-edge aerospace and defence developments, and this year CAE’s digital training and mission planning solutions, CAERidge™, CAE VISTA, and CAE+Tempo, stand out as pioneering advances in military readiness

CAE’s integrated platforms highlight the transformative role of collaborative 3D planning, immersive simulation, and adaptive, remote learning in shaping next-generation defence operations.​

CAERidge™: Advanced 3D Mission Planning and Collaboration

CAERidge redefines the way defence teams coordinate and rehearse missions across the domains of air, land, and sea. Its’ cloud-based architecture provides a secure, highly interactive environment for teams distributed across bases or forward operating locations to synchronise their mission planning efforts. CAERidge leverages high-fidelity visualisation software, dynamic scenario-building tools, and real-time data fusion to model complex multi-domain environments accurately.

At the heart of CAERidge are its secure servers and cloud infrastructure, enabling seamless remote access and multi-user collaboration. Teams can construct three-dimensional operational landscapes using GIS data, satellite imagery, and custom-imported blue and red force assets. Integrated live feeds and historical mission data facilitate rapid adaptation to changing operational requirements, while advanced graphics workstations ensure smooth, high-resolution visualisation of terrain and assets.

Communications are supported within the platform, offering chat, voice, and video channels to foster seamless cooperation and collective situational awareness. Tactical overlays and planning boards can be shared in real time, allowing commanders to make informed decisions swiftly and synchronise mission elements, such as resource allocation and movement tracks.

CAERidge is also fully compatible with commonly used military simulation and C2 standards, which means it can be integrated into existing operational workflows and joint/coalition environments. Its technical backbone includes encrypted data links, virtual private network connectivity, and modular plugin options to align with both legacy and next-generation systems. This flexibility makes CAERidge a powerful asset for both operational headquarters and deployed formations.

CAE VISTA: Immersive ISR and C4ISR training for modern forces

CAE VISTA is designed to provide a truly immersive training landscape, virtually recreating the operational complexities faced in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) environments. Powered by hybrid-cloud architecture, VISTA delivers AI-driven synthetic scenarios and high-fidelity asset modelling that supports both stand-alone operator training and interconnected mission rehearsal across geographically separated participants.​

The system synthesises realistic sensor and emitter data streams, virtually modelling radar, visual, electronic, and cyber sensors through its expansive scenario engine. VISTA employs artificial intelligence to generate dynamic adversary behaviour and inject live data into training scenarios, transforming traditional war-gaming into a living, multi-domain digital environment.

Core elements of VISTA include a virtual library of platforms, sensors, weapons, and C4ISR nodes, supporting the construction of customisable mission profiles and operational networks. Its scenario scripting tools, driven by advanced AI algorithms, allow instructors and mission planners to create highly complex, responsive scenarios tailored to specific training objectives, from routine reconnaissance missions to high-threat joint operations.

Operator and mission control interfaces are central to VISTA’s training workflow, featuring intuitive controls and analysis dashboards. These tools enable users to monitor, assess, and adapt their performance throughout each scenario, with real-time feedback and after-action review capability. Integration with digital after-action review systems provides robust analytics across individual and team performance metrics, ensuring training outcomes are targeted and measurable.

Security lies at VISTA’s foundation, with encrypted cloud environments and strict access control protocols aligning with military cyber standards. Deployment options span from on-premises at secure facilities to fully remote cloud networks, giving training centres and operational commands unparalleled access and adaptability.

VISTA’s compatibility with NATO and coalition simulation standards, including the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) and SCARS architectures, means the system can plug into multi-nation exercises or connect seamlessly with existing C4ISR infrastructure. Its modular build allows expansion and customisation, future-proofing investments against emerging threats and new operational requirements.

CAE+Tempo: Flexible, immersive learning and maintenance support

CAE+Tempo revolutionises maintenance and operational training by combining immersive graphics, adaptive courseware, and remote learning technology. Designed to prepare technical personnel and operators for the rigours of real-world equipment handling, CAE+Tempo uses interactive 3D equipment models and hands-on procedural simulations to accelerate knowledge transfer and skill retention.​

The system is built around a sophisticated, cloud-integrated learning management platform capable of delivering instructor-led and self-paced content to trainees anywhere in the world. 3D graphics and VR-ready modules replicate maintenance procedures, troubleshooting steps, and operational best practices in a risk-free, highly realistic virtual workshop. This not only reduces training costs and time but provides vital flexibility for modern, globally dispersed defence organisations.

Tempo’s adaptive learning algorithms assess user proficiency in real time, adjusting courseware difficulty and content to match individual skill profiles. Performance analytics and assessment dashboards help instructors track progress, identify skill gaps, and deliver targeted interventions as required. The result is a workforce that is not only technically qualified but prepared for the full spectrum of operational challenges.

Pieces of the CAE+Tempo ecosystem include remote access modules, instructor management consoles, and a secure data backbone to facilitate field-based learning and support. The platform supports integration with major defence learning management systems (LMS) and can interface directly with fleet management and sustainment software. This interoperability ensures learning remains in lockstep with operational and logistical realities.

Tempo’s technical infrastructure uses secure networks to transmit courseware, results, and live troubleshooting support, enabling rapid qualification and certification of personnel, even in forward, contested, or resource-constrained environments. Instructor stations come equipped with real-time monitoring tools, allowing experts to oversee multiple concurrent training sessions and intervene where necessary.

Live demonstration and real-world impact at Dubai Airshow 2025

A selection of CAE platforms are on display at the Dubai Airshow 2025, providing military visitors and industry professionals hands-on demonstrations and live scenario simulations. The event highlights how advanced simulation, robust data fusion, and seamless remote access are redefining defence training and operational support for contemporary and future forces.​

During the show, CAE is showcasing integrated operational scenarios, simulating mission planning, ISR training, and technical sustainment workflows within a unified digital battlespace. Attendees have the opportunity to observe the platforms in action, interact with the systems’ interfaces, and speak with CAE engineers about customisation options and deployment models suited to national defence needs.

The demonstrations bring attention to new developments in live, virtual, and constructive training, human-machine teaming, and the increasingly central role of AI in defence preparation. These conversations underscore the growing imperative for adaptable, scalable training and planning solutions as global challenges and operational tempo continue to intensify.

A Unified Vision for Military Readiness

CAE’s trio of systems, CAERidge, CAE VISTA, and CAE+Tempo, embody the company’s vision for transformative military training and operations. By integrating next-generation visualisation, AI-powered scenario generation, and modular, cloud-enabled learning, CAE offers military organisations the means to maintain a decisive edge in planning, training, and sustainment.​

CAERidge enables collaborative, multi-domain mission planning with secure, adaptable infrastructure. CAE VISTA immerses defence personnel in complex ISR and command/control training scenarios using synthetic data and advanced AI, preparing them for the full range of operational threats. CAE+Tempo drives flexible, on-demand learning and maintenance support, ensuring technical staff can respond rapidly and effectively under any circumstances.

Presented together at Dubai Airshow 2025, these solutions show how digital innovation and operational realism can be harmonised to drive military effectiveness and resilience for decades to come. Through advanced training ecosystems and interconnected mission planning tools, CAE empowers defence forces to anticipate tomorrow’s battles and succeed in an ever-evolving operational environment.

Photos by P. Valpolini