Threat Simulator Development

The Threat Simulator Development program (PE 0604256A) is a key Army initiative under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support budget activity. Its primary goal is to design, develop, acquire, integrate, and field realistic mobile threat simulators and simulation products that are used in Army and Department of Defense (DoD) test and evaluation (T&E) activities. These simulators are essential for creating realistic battlefield environments to test U.S. weapon systems and modernization efforts under conditions that closely resemble those posed by current and emerging adversaries.

The Army Threat Simulator (ATS) line item is the central project within this program element. ATS supports the creation of threat representations for adversary systems such as missile systems, command, control, and communications systems, and electronic warfare systems. The simulators are used by the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), and other Army and DoD organizations to ensure that developmental and operational tests reflect realistic threat environments.

The program is managed by the Project Manager for Cyber Test and Training (PM CT2) and coordinated with the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) Threat Simulator Investment Working Group, ensuring alignment with broader DoD and Tri-Service efforts and avoiding duplication.

A major objective of the program is to support Army modernization priorities by providing advanced threat simulation capabilities for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). This includes investments in the Common Tactical Signal Emitter Program (CTSEP), Electronic Attack Effects, and the Threat Battle Command Force (TBCF). The program also emphasizes the integration of digital engineering and software modernization strategies, promoting the reuse of common assets and services, and improving synergies between training and testing enablers.

Within the ATS project, specific focus areas include Threat Information Warfare, Threat Electronic Warfare, and Threat Network and Mission Command. The Threat Information Warfare component provides cyber red team personnel, information operations (IO) tools, and infrastructure to simulate advanced cyber and information warfare threats. This includes the development of threat-based red team capabilities, real-time Internet flow information for threat characterization, and the creation of live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) threat environments.

The goal is to measure the effectiveness of Army program protection and operational security processes, and to inform the development of countermeasures.

The Threat Electronic Warfare component develops capabilities to simulate anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments, including advanced electronic support and attack systems. This involves leveraging software-defined radio (SDR) technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to create realistic jamming and signal replication across the radio frequency spectrum. The program also develops digital twin models to support operational and developmental testing, ensuring that Army systems are tested against sophisticated and evolving electronic warfare threats.

The Threat Network and Mission Command line item focuses on providing opposing force (OPFOR) commanders with realistic battlefield situational awareness and command, control, and communications (C3) capabilities. This includes the integration of quantum computing techniques, adaptive RF transmissions, self-healing networks, and next-generation tactical radios. The program is also developing a Multi-Domain Operations Environment Testbed to enable distributed test and evaluation events, supporting the Army's 2030 vision for continuous development and risk reduction.

Additionally, Congressional adds in recent years have supported targeted initiatives such as Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Swarm Threat Representation, Threat Counter Artificial Intelligence, CSOC Extended Regional Cyber Spoke, CSOC Contested Logistics, and the Multi-Domain Operations Range Pilot. These efforts have expanded the program's ability to simulate emerging threats, test AI-enabled platforms, extend cyber capabilities, and develop realistic MDO training environments.