While there are many efforts in the development of LVC technology in different domains (e.g., UCATT for land, Distributed Synthetic Training (DST) and Tactical Data Links for the air domain) there is a need to address interoperability in a MDO context and the implications they pose on the current virtual and constructive simulations and the need for common services (Modelling and Simulation As A Service MSaaS). The maturity of standards varies across the different domains (i.e., land, maritime, air, cyber and space), challenges remain to achieve a mature level of interoperability of different Live, Virtual and Constructive entities across EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries and industries.

There is an urgent need to investigate how to develop a continuous, scalable and flexible learning environment that integrates LVC capabilities seamlessly for persistent training, exercises, and rehearsal in a cost-effective way. This is to be realised through:

• Development of a roadmap for an interoperable, flexible, and cost-effective Multi Domain Operations LVC training capability by exploiting current training environments and ongoing LVC activities.
• An LVC Reference Architecture, which is needed to incorporate the Virtual and Constructive simulated world into the live assets. Interoperability standards for LVC systems (e.g., communication, dissemination, service sharing, cyber security) are essential. Therefore, an Open System Architectural approach and standardisation of data exchange is needed to enable multi-domain combat simulation and provide a common entry point and common processes for proprietary systems.
• Scalable and extendable to integrate new generation assets (manned or unmanned) to implement and enhance several mission management functions. Tightly integrated operation of manned and unmanned assets or intelligent integration of heterogeneous data, improving the overall operational performance of each asset and its perception of the rapidly evolving tactical environment.
• Executing training and operating in a more distributing environment, in various more integrated tactical scenarios, including advanced cooperative crewed and un-crewed platforms operations.

This call topic contributes to the STEP objectives, as defined in STEP Regulation, in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies.

• Proposals must investigate solutions in the training and simulation area.
• Proposals must identify current challenges in Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) Integrated LVC in a multi-national context, and more specifically identify state of the art, research gaps, needs and requirements.
• Proposals must aim to further research a subset of those challenges found, for a chosen specific use case(s) by achieving an increment in the maturity of the LVC training paradigm and assessing its training value focusing on MDO in a multi-national context.
• Proposals should consider concepts and manned and unmanned combat platform to be operated by the EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries, from current or emerging to next generation combat systems in Europe.
• Proposals should take into account the foreseeable evolution of mission systems, aiming at standardised effector interfaces and consolidating common and harmonised processes for the operation of relevant simulation technologies at EU level.
• In addition, proposals must ensure compliance with NATO standards and other possible coalition situations. This should allow for extended interaction between a variety of collaborative assets used in different operational domains.
• Proposals should demonstrate LVC growth capabilities integrating new generation assets, technological novelties like Big Data, AI and XR, cloud architecture solutions, tactical data links and LVC interoperability solutions.