Denmark's SEK680 Million Combat Training Centre: Major Opportunities in Defence Training Technology

Denmark's SEK680 million (EUR61 million) order for Saab's Combat Training Centre represents a significant investment in advanced military training capabilities. Working in defence recruitment at Mane Defence, I've been analysing what this substantial contract means for talent across the defence training and simulation sector, and the implications extend far beyond this single project.

Strategic Investment in Training Technology

The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation's (DALO) decision to invest in one of Europe's most modern and flexible Combat Training Centres signals the growing recognition that training technology is critical to military effectiveness. The 2025-2027 delivery timeline suggests immediate opportunities for professionals in this expanding sector.

This investment reflects broader European trends toward sophisticated training systems that can accommodate battalion-sized units (600-800 personnel) while providing training from individual soldier level up to battalion commanders. The scale demonstrates the sector's evolution from basic simulation to comprehensive training ecosystems.

Comprehensive Training System Integration

The order encompasses soldier and vehicle training systems, anti-tank and sniper training weapons, communication systems, and Exercise Control (EXCON) software for after-action reviews. This breadth creates opportunities across multiple technical specialisations within the defence training sector.

The integration of live training equipment with true ballistic laser modules for individual weapons and vehicle-mounted systems requires specialists who understand both weapons systems and advanced simulation technology. This convergence of traditional military hardware with cutting-edge training technology creates unique career opportunities.

NATO Interoperability Focus

Denmark's emphasis on ensuring "full interoperability with NATO and other allied nations" reflects the strategic importance of standardised training systems across alliance partners. This creates opportunities for professionals who understand international military standards and can develop systems that work seamlessly across different national forces.

The interoperability requirement suggests demand for systems engineers, software developers, and training specialists who can navigate complex international military requirements while delivering cohesive training experiences.

Multi-Site Implementation

Saab's provision of training support across four designated sites in Denmark demonstrates the operational complexity of modern Combat Training Centres. This multi-site approach creates opportunities for training coordinators, technical support specialists, and field engineers who can maintain sophisticated systems across distributed locations.

The geographic distribution also suggests opportunities for professionals who can manage complex logistics, coordinate between sites, and ensure consistent training delivery across multiple facilities.

Exercise Control and After-Action Review Technology

The inclusion of EXCON software for after-action reviews highlights the growing importance of data analytics in military training. Modern training systems generate vast amounts of performance data that must be processed, analysed, and presented in actionable formats for military commanders.

This creates opportunities for data analysts, software developers specialising in military applications, and training specialists who can translate complex performance data into meaningful learning outcomes. The ability to provide comprehensive after-action reviews is increasingly critical to training effectiveness.

Live Training Evolution

Saab's description of this as part of their "world leading live training offer" reflects the sector's evolution toward more realistic, immersive training experiences. Live training systems must accurately simulate combat conditions while maintaining safety standards and providing measurable learning outcomes.

This creates demand for specialists who understand both military operations and advanced simulation technology. Professionals who can bridge the gap between realistic combat simulation and effective learning methodologies will be particularly valuable.

Regional Training Market Expansion

Denmark joins Netherlands, Finland, and Norway in Saab's Combat Training Centre portfolio, demonstrating the growing Nordic and European market for advanced training systems. This regional expansion creates opportunities for professionals who can support international operations and understand diverse military training requirements.

The pattern suggests continued growth in European defence training investment, particularly among NATO allies seeking to enhance their training capabilities while maintaining interoperability.

Fixed-Price Service Model

Saab's focus on "fixed-price services evaluated on the lowest life-cycle cost" reflects the defence sector's evolution toward more commercial contracting approaches. This business model creates opportunities for professionals who understand both military requirements and commercial service delivery.

The emphasis on life-cycle cost management suggests demand for specialists in through-life support, maintenance planning, and cost-effective service delivery within military constraints.

Skills in High Demand

Based on this contract's scope and the broader Combat Training Centre market, several specialisations are particularly valuable:

• Systems Integration Engineers: Ability to integrate complex training systems across multiple platforms and sites.
• Military Simulation Specialists: Understanding both military operations and advanced simulation technology.
• Data Analytics Professionals: Expertise in processing and presenting training performance data.
• International Standards Specialists: Knowledge of NATO standards and international military requirements.
• Through-Life Support Specialists: Experience in maintaining complex systems over extended periods.
• Training Technology Developers: Software development for military training applications.
• Field Support Engineers: Ability to maintain sophisticated systems in operational environments.

Technology Convergence Opportunities

The integration of soldier systems, vehicle platforms, weapons training, and communication systems demonstrates the convergence occurring in defence training technology. This creates opportunities for professionals who can work across traditional boundaries and understand how different military systems interact.

The true ballistic laser modules and advanced simulation capabilities require specialists who understand both optical systems and military applications. This convergence of photonics, software, and military expertise creates unique career opportunities.

Long-Term Market Trends

Denmark's investment reflects broader European recognition that training technology is critical to military effectiveness. The 2025-2027 delivery timeline, combined with Saab's expansion across Nordic countries, suggests sustained growth in this sector.

The emphasis on flexibility and adaptability in training systems indicates continued evolution in military training requirements. Professionals who can develop adaptable, future-proof training systems will be increasingly valuable.

International Collaboration Implications

The focus on interoperability and NATO standards suggests continued integration of European defence training capabilities. This creates opportunities for professionals who can work across national boundaries and understand diverse military cultures and requirements.

The multi-national approach also suggests opportunities for international assignments and career development across different European defence markets.

Looking Forward

Denmark's SEK680 million investment in Combat Training Centre technology represents more than a single contract; it demonstrates the strategic importance of advanced training systems in modern military capability development.

For defence professionals, this represents opportunities at the intersection of military operations and cutting-edge technology. The sector's evolution toward comprehensive, integrated training ecosystems creates demand for specialists who can deliver realistic, effective training while meeting complex international requirements.

The combination of substantial investment, technological sophistication, and international scope makes defence training and simulation an increasingly attractive sector for professionals seeking challenging, impactful careers in defence technology.