The Ministry of Defence is preparing to procure a new generation of air traffic control visual simulators for use across Royal Air Force sites, according to a newly published tender notice.
The requirement covers the provision of 16 air traffic control visual simulators to support synthetic training at RAF locations, with the contract valued at up to £3 million over a five year period, according to the notice. Delivery is scheduled to begin in February 2026 and run through to February 2031.
The simulators are intended to form an air traffic control synthetic training environment, allowing RAF personnel to rehearse aerodrome control procedures in a controlled, office based setting. The MOD states that the equipment will be installed on site by the selected contractor and supported throughout the contract with ongoing maintenance and software updates.
According to the tender description, the system must be capable of replicating the visual environment seen from an air traffic control tower, including multiple instructional viewpoints. The simulators are expected to support day and night operations, as well as degraded conditions such as reduced visibility, rain, fog and variable cloud cover.
The MOD is also seeking systems that allow for dynamic scenario control through a pseudo pilot position, enabling trainers to adjust situations in real time while simulating aerodrome control procedures. Broader requirements include the ability to replicate aircraft and vehicle behaviours, as well as integration with systems commonly used by the RAF, such as Frequentis voice communication control systems, Thales TopSky displays, aerodrome lighting panels and surveillance information systems.
Training flexibility appears to be a key focus of the requirement. The notice specifies that RAF operators should be able to create, edit and delete exercises independently without incurring additional costs, and that the system should include replay functionality to support post session debriefing and review.
Each simulator must accommodate three simultaneous users, typically a trainer, trainee and pseudo pilot, within a footprint equivalent to two office desk spaces. Bidders will also be expected to provide training materials and outline how software updates and data changes will be managed across all delivery locations.
The tender includes a social value component aligned with government net zero objectives, asking suppliers to demonstrate how delivery of the contract could support climate and environmental goals. The notice is currently listed as a preview, with the MOD advising that further details will be released in a future tender notice if the opportunity progresses. The deadline for submissions is 14 January 2026.
I wonder who’s on their radar ?