Simulators Market by Type (Full Flight, Full Mission, Tactical Training, Fixed Base, Full Mission Bridge, Part-Task Trainers, Operational Workstation, C2, ATC, Vessel Traffic), Platform, Solution, Technique, Application, Region - Global Forecast to 2030
The simulators market is estimated to be valued at USD 13.63 billion in 2025. It is projected to reach USD 19.35 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2025 to 2030. Nations facing territorial disputes or border tensions, such as those seen in regions like South Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, are compelled to bolster their defense capabilities, including the acquisition of simulators, as these conflicts heighten the demand for advanced military equipment to ensure territorial integrity and protect national borders. As a result, governments are allocating substantial budgets toward the procurement of simulators equipped with cutting-edge technology, enhancing their combat capabilities and readiness to respond to potential threats. Additionally, the need to maintain peace and security amid border disputes fosters continuous investment in simulators, sustaining market growth over the forecast period.
Scope of the Report
Years Considered for the Study
2021-2030
Base Year
2024
Forecast Period
2025-2030
Units Considered
Value (USD Billion)
Segments
By platform, solution, application, type, technique, and region
Regions covered
North America, Europe, APAC, RoW
"By type, the full mission flight simulators segment is estimated to account for the largest share in 2025."
The full mission flight simulators (FMFS) segment is projected to capture the largest share of the simulators market due to the unmatched capability of these simulators to deliver comprehensive, high-fidelity training for complex aircraft procedures. FMFSs replicate an entire flight environment, including cockpit controls, flight dynamics, weather, navigation systems, and emergencies, down to the minutest detail, allowing pilots to learn while flying as they would in real-life real-world missions. FMFSs are mandated by global aviation authorities (e.g., FAA, EASA) for type rating, proficiency check, and recurrent training, making them essential for air forces, helicopter operators, and airlines.
In the defense sector, FMFSs are used extensively to train fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, and helicopter crews in actual mission environments, i.e., combat missions, air refueling, and air-to-air coordination. The prohibitively expensive operation and limited pool of available real aircraft for training reasons make FMFSs the least expensive and safest option. Furthermore, as aircraft such as the F-35 or A400M bring advanced avionics and mission systems, only FMFS can offer fidelity to ready crews without jeopardizing mission security or readiness.
As safety, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance receive increasing focus, FMFSs remain the foundation of flight training facilities. Their capability to facilitate full-spectrum training across the commercial and military aviation sectors guarantees their undisputed leadership in the international simulator industry.
"By technique, the hybrid simulation segment is estimated to grow at the highest rate in 2025."
The hybrid simulation segment is projected to grow at the highest rate in the simulators market due to the ability of hybrid simulators to seamlessly combine the strengths of live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) training environments that offer unprecedented flexibility, realism, and scalability. With expanding complexity in training requirements, especially in multi-domain operations and joint-force operations, hybrid simulation allows military forces and civilian agencies to integrate physical assets and digital systems to achieve more representative, mission-like training. For example, a live crew of a plane or tank can be trained with virtual crew and AI opponents in a shared synthetic environment, offering cost-effective, real-time decision-making in combat-like conditions. This approach reduces the requirement for expensive and labor-constrained live exercises and enables geographically separated units to train together in a common virtual battlespace. Military organizations are rapidly adopting hybrid architectures to support distributed training across air, land, sea, cyber, and space domains-positioning hybrid simulation at the center of training for future war. Civilian hybrid models, such as aviation and emergency response, allow real-world hardware supplemented by simulation layers to teach coordination, system management, and crisis management.
As cloud computing, 5G networking, edge networking, and artificial intelligence increasingly mature, hybrid simulation will be easier to use, more interactive, and platform interoperable. Additionally, the demand for adaptive training systems that reduce the logistics load, meet changing operational needs, and enhance collaborative readiness is fueling adoption-making hybrid simulation the most rapidly growing segment of the simulator market.
"Europe is estimated to account for the second largest share in 2025."
Europe is projected to account for the second-largest share in the simulators market due to the region's diversified and balanced demand in the civil aviation, defense, maritime, and industrial training markets. The region has the world's most sophisticated aviation markets with high-density air traffic networks and top airlines, such as Lufthansa, Air France, and Ryanair, requiring extensive pilot training. Additionally, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulatory requirements provide for uniform usage of full-flight simulators for type rating, recurrent training, and emergency procedure training-providing similar demand from legacy and low-cost carriers.
Europe has a mature maritime training capability. Norway, the Netherlands, and the UK each have bridge simulators, engine room trainers, and offshore emergency response simulators in high demand to train for commercial shipping and offshore energy sectors. The requirement for green transition and operational efficiency in maritime and rail transport also propels the adoption of simulation-based training on hybrid propulsion systems and digital control interfaces. The region is also a world innovation center for simulator technology, with dominant players like Thales, Indra, Rheinmetall, Saab, and Kongsberg providing innovative solutions for civilian and military use. These players meet regional demand and export worldwide, further enhancing Europe's industrial dominance in simulation.
Besides spearheading VR/AR adoption, cloud-based training, and public-private training partnerships, the cross-industry adoption of simulators and technical preparedness in Europe make it the world's second-largest and one of the most robust markets. The EASA regulatory agency dictates recurrent simulator-based training, which yields high simulator usage at training centers. Europe is also home to some of the world's premier simulation and training vendors, such as Thales (France), Saab (Sweden), Indra Sistemas (Spain), and Rheinmetall (Germany), which serve both domestic and export markets.
Asia Pacific is emerging as a manufacturing and export hub, with nations like South Korea and India entering international markets under defense cooperation and technology transfer. With the combination of geopolitical imperative and increasing industrial competence, Asia Pacific is anticipated to experience the fastest and widest development in simulator procurement and deployment within the next ten years.
Given below is the break-up of primary participants in the simulators market:
By Company Type: Tier 1 - 35%, Tier 2 - 45%, and Tier 3 - 20%
By Designation: C-level - 35%, Director-level - 25%, and Others - 40%
By Region: North America - 25%, Europe - 15%, Asia Pacific - 45%, Middle East - 10%, Rest of the World (RoW) - 5%
Major companies profiled in the report include CAE Inc. (Canada), Rheinmetall AG (Germany), Kongsberg Gruppen ASA (Norway), Thales Group (France), and Saab AB (Sweden), among others.
Research Coverage
This market study covers the simulators market across various segments and subsegments. It aims to estimate this market size and growth potential across different parts based on region. This study also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key players in the market and their company profiles. It also studies key observations related to their product and business offerings, recent developments, and key market strategies they adopted.
Reasons to Buy this Report
The report will help the market leaders/new entrants with the information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall simulators market. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the market pulse and provides information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.
The simulators market is growing due to the rising demand for cost-effective, risk-free training across the aviation, defense, and industrial sectors. Besides, regulatory mandates, pilot shortages, defense modernization, and VR/AR and AI advancements are also driving adoption. Simulators enable scalable, realistic training while reducing operational costs and enhancing safety across multiple domains.
The report also provides insights on the following aspects of the market:
Drivers (Rising demand for pilot training, need for low-cost military training, focus on cost-effectiveness and safety of simulator-based training), restraints (Long product lifecycle of simulators, high cost of gaming simulators), opportunities (Advancements in simulator technology, trend of air accident investigation), challenges (stringent regulatory approval, complexity of reducing size and weight of military simulators). These factors are expected to impact the growth of the simulators market significantly.
Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on simulators offered by the top players in the market
Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product launches in the simulators market
Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets in the simulators market across varied regions
Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the simulators market
Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market share, growth strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of leading players in the simulators market
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 STUDY OBJECTIVES
1.2 MARKET DEFINITION
1.3 STUDY SCOPE
1.3.1 MARKET SEGMENTATION
1.4 YEARS CONSIDERED
1.5 INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
1.6 CURRENCY CONSIDERED
1.7 STAKEHOLDERS
1.8 SUMMARY OF CHANGES
2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2.1 RESEARCH DATA
2.1.1 SECONDARY DATA
2.1.1.1 Secondary sources
2.1.2 PRIMARY DATA
2.1.2.1 Primary respondents
2.1.2.2 Key data from primary sources
2.1.2.3 Breakdown of primary interviews
2.1.2.4 Insights from industry experts
2.2 FACTOR ANALYSIS
2.2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.2.2 DEMAND-SIDE INDICATORS
2.2.2.1 Rising conflicts and disputes worldwide
2.2.2.2 Increasing defense budgets of emerging economies
2.2.3 SUPPLY-SIDE INDICATORS
2.2.3.1 Financial trends of major US defense contractors
2.3 MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION
2.3.1 BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
2.3.1.1 Method 1
2.3.1.2 Method 2
2.3.2 TOP-DOWN APPROACH
2.4 DATA TRIANGULATION
2.5 RESEARCH ASSUMPTIONS
2.6 RESEARCH LIMITATIONS
2.7 RISK ASSESSMENT
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4 PREMIUM INSIGHTS
4.1 ATTRACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAYERS IN SIMULATORS MARKET
4.2 SIMULATORS MARKET, BY PLATFORM
4.3 SIMULATORS MARKET, BY TYPE
4.4 SIMULATORS MARKET, BY APPLICATION
5 MARKET OVERVIEW
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 MARKET DYNAMICS
5.2.1 DRIVERS
5.2.1.1 Rising demand for skilled personnel
5.2.1.2 Imposition of mandatory training standards by civil aviation
5.2.1.3 Cost-effectiveness and resource optimization
5.2.1.4 Geopolitical tensions and military modernization
5.2.2 RESTRAINTS
5.2.2.1 Lengthy procurement and certification cycles
5.2.2.2 Limited infrastructure in developing countries
5.2.2.3 High upfront capital costs
5.2.3 OPPORTUNITIES
5.2.3.1 Adoption of subscription and pay-per-use models
5.2.3.2 Growing adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles
5.2.4 CHALLENGES
5.2.4.1 Simulator obsolescence due to rapid platform updates
5.2.4.2 Storage and shelf-life limitations
5.3 TRENDS AND DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMER BUSINESS
5.4 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS
5.5 ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS
5.5.1 MANUFACTURERS
5.5.2 SYSTEM INTEGRATORS
5.5.3 END USERS
5.6 TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS
5.6.1 KEY TECHNOLOGIES
5.6.1.1 Immersive Visualization Systems (IVSs)
5.6.1.2 Dynamic motion platforms
5.6.1.3 Physics-based Simulation Engines
5.6.2 COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGIES
5.6.2.1 Learning Management System (LMS)
5.6.2.2 Biofeedback and cognitive load sensing
5.6.2.3 Cloud-based simulation deployment
5.6.3 ADJACENT TECHNOLOGIES
5.6.3.1 5G and private wireless networks
5.6.3.2 Haptics and force feedback systems
5.6.3.3 Natural language processing (NLP) interfaces
5.7 CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
5.7.1 HINDUSTAN AERONAUTICS LIMITED, IN COLLABORATION WITH CAE INDIA, DEVELOPED ADVANCED FULL MISSION SIMULATOR (FMS) TAILORED SPECIFICALLY FOR SU-30MKI PLATFORM
5.7.2 LUFTHANSA AVIATION TRAINING MODERNIZED ITS SIMULATOR INFRASTRUCTURE BY DEPLOYING UNIFIED, CLOUD-BASED SIMULATION ECOSYSTEM
5.7.3 US AIR NATIONAL GUARD ADOPTED HIGHLY IMMERSIVE MQ-9 REAPER SIMULATOR TO ADDRESS BOTTLENECKS IN LIVE UAV OPERATOR TRAINING
5.7.4 ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY IMPLEMENTED VR-BASED SIMULATION SOLUTION DEVELOPED JOINTLY BY KBR AND HTC
5.8 TRADE DATA
5.8.1 IMPORT SCENARIO
5.8.2 EXPORT SCENARIO
5.9 KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND BUYING CRITERIA
5.9.1 KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN BUYING PROCESS
5.9.2 BUYING CRITERIA
5.10 US 2025 TARIFF
5.10.1 INTRODUCTION
5.10.2 KEY TARIFF RATES
5.10.3 PRICE IMPACT ANALYSIS
5.10.4 IMPACT ON COUNTRY/REGION
5.10.4.1 US
5.10.4.2 Europe
5.10.4.3 Asia Pacific
5.10.5 IMPACT ON END-USE INDUSTRIES
5.11 REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
5.11.1 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, BY REGION
5.11.1.1 North America
5.11.1.2 Europe
5.11.1.3 Asia Pacific
5.11.1.4 Middle East
5.11.1.5 Rest of the World
5.12 KEY CONFERENCES AND EVENTS, 2025-2026
5.13 INVESTMENT AND FUNDING SCENARIO
5.14 PRICING ANALYSIS
5.14.1 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE TREND OF SIMULATOR TYPES, BY KEY PLAYER
5.14.2 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE TREND, BY REGION
5.15 IMPACT OF AI
5.15.1 INTRODUCTION
5.15.2 IMPACT OF AI ON DEFENSE SECTOR
5.15.3 ADOPTION OF AI IN MILITARY BY TOP COUNTRIES
5.15.4 IMPACT OF AI ON SIMULATORS MARKET
5.16 MACROECONOMIC OUTLOOK
5.16.1 INTRODUCTION
5.16.2 NORTH AMERICA
5.16.3 EUROPE
5.16.4 ASIA PACIFIC
5.16.5 MIDDLE EAST
5.16.6 REST OF THE WORLD
5.17 BILL OF MATERIALS (BOM) ANALYSIS
5.17.1 SAMPLE UNIT PRICE RANGES (INDICATIVE, BASED ON OEM DISCLOSURES)
5.17.2 VENDOR-SPECIFIC BOM STRATEGY EXAMPLES
5.18 BUSINESS MODELS
5.19 TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP
5.20 PATENT ANALYSIS
6 SIMULATORS MARKET, BY SOLUTION
6.1 INTRODUCTION
6.2 PRODUCTS
6.2.1 INNOVATIONS IN HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE COMPONENTS TO DRIVE GROWTH
6.2.2 HARDWARE
6.2.2.1 Cockpit/bridge consoles
6.2.2.2 Motion platforms
6.2.2.2.1 3-DOF
6.2.2.2.2 6-DOF
6.2.2.3 Visual systems
6.2.2.3.1 Projectors
6.2.2.3.2 LCDs and LEDs
6.2.2.3.3 Dome displays
6.2.2.3.4 Collimated displays
6.2.2.3.5 Others
6.2.2.4 Control interfaces
6.2.2.4.1 Flight stick/yoke
6.2.2.4.2 Pedals
6.2.2.4.3 Weapon replica
6.2.2.5 Sensor tracking systems
6.2.2.5.1 Tracking
6.2.2.5.2 Haptics
6.2.2.6 Electronics
6.2.2.6.1 Embedded controls
6.2.2.6.2 I/O interfaces
6.2.2.7 Gauges & panels
6.2.2.7.1 Analog gauges
6.2.2.7.2 Digital dashboards
6.2.2.8 Casing & mounts
6.2.2.8.1 Frame structures
6.2.2.8.2 Mechanical enclosures
6.2.3 SOFTWARE
6.2.3.1 Simulation engine
6.2.3.1.1 Proprietary
6.2.3.1.2 Commercial
6.2.3.2 Scenario generation
6.2.3.2.1 Terrain builders
6.2.3.2.2 Threat models
6.2.3.3 AI modules
6.2.3.3.1 Behavior modelling
6.2.3.3.2 Performance analytics
6.2.3.4 LMS & integration
6.2.3.5 Digital twins
6.3 SERVICES
6.3.1 NEED FOR EFFECTIVE SIMULATION CAPABILITIES AND TRAINING SUPPORT TO DRIVE GROWTH
6.3.2 HARDWARE UPGRADES
6.3.2.1 Use case: Collins Aerospace comprehensively upgraded its simulation platforms by integrating the EP-8100 Image Generator
6.3.2.2 Visual refresh
6.3.2.3 Motion retrofit
6.3.2.4 Console update
6.3.3 SOFTWARE UPGRADES
6.3.3.1 Use case: AI Add-ons - Enhancing Adaptive Training and Dynamic Behaviors in Simulators
6.3.3.2 Scenario expansion
6.3.3.3 AI add-ons
6.3.3.4 Improvements/Rendering packages
6.3.4 MAINTENANCE
6.3.4.1 Use case: Kongsberg's developed Full Mission Maintenance Package to ensure high availability and operational reliability of simulation systems
6.3.4.2 Hardware AMC
6.3.4.3 Software support
6.3.4.4 Diagnostics
6.3.5 INSTALLATION & SUPPORT
6.3.5.1 Use case: CAE developed Onsite Full Flight Simulator (FFS) Deployment service to offer customized installation of high-fidelity simulators
6.3.5.2 On-site deployment
6.3.5.3 Remote modular kits
6.3.6 TRAINING-AS-A-SERVICE
6.3.6.1 Use case: FlightSafety - FTD Hourly Rental
6.3.6.2 Instructor-led training-as-a-service
6.3.6.3 Certification-as-a-service
7 SIMULATORS MARKET, BY PLATFORM
7.1 INTRODUCTION
7.2 AIR
7.2.1 COMMERCIAL
7.2.1.1 Use case: CAE's 7000XR Full Flight Simulator (FFS), configured for Airbus A320 aircraft, is widely deployed by major carriers
7.2.1.2 Use case: L3Harris launched state-of-the-art Full Flight Simulator (FFS) platform tailored to MAX-specific flight characteristics and systems
7.2.1.3 Narrow-body aircraft
7.2.1.4 Wide-body aircraft
7.2.1.5 Extra-wide-body aircraft
7.2.1.6 Regional transport aircraft
7.2.1.7 Commercial helicopters
7.2.2 MILITARY
7.2.2.1 Use case: Rheinmetall LEGATUS Combat Simulator - Eurofighter Training
7.2.2.2 Use case: Lockheed Martin F-35 Full Mission Simulator
7.2.2.3 Helicopters
7.2.2.4 Combat aircraft
7.2.2.5 Training aircraft
7.2.2.6 Transport aircraft
7.2.3 UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS)
7.2.3.1 Fixed wing
7.2.3.2 Fixed-wing hybrid VTOL
7.2.3.3 Rotary wing
7.3 LAND
7.3.1 COMMERCIAL
7.3.1.1 Use case 1: Logistics and freight companies widely adopt Oktal's TruckSim to train heavy-duty truck drivers in long-haul operations
7.3.1.2 Use case 2: Airport authorities deployed Adacel's AeroScene to train operators of airside vehicles
7.3.1.3 Trucks
7.3.1.4 Buses
7.3.1.5 Trains and trams
7.3.1.6 Cars
7.3.1.7 Airports
7.3.2 MILITARY
7.3.2.1 Use case 1: Armed forces widely use Rheinmetall's Driver Training Simulator to train personnel in operating military-grade logistics and armored vehicles
7.3.2.2 Use case 2: Elbit Systems' Mobile Turret Training System (MTTS) is used to train gunners and commanders in armored fighting vehicle (AFV)
7.3.2.3 Use case 3: Saab's GAMER simulator is used to conduct force-on-force exercises and urban warfare training
7.3.2.4 Driving simulators
7.3.2.4.1 Main battle tank driving simulators
7.3.2.4.2 Heavy equipment transport & military logistics vehicle simulators