Space Force to Finalize Digital Training Environment Requirements by 2026

The U.S. Space Force is accelerating development of its primary digital training platform, with ambitious plans to establish final requirements and expand capabilities across the service by 2026. According to Col. Corey Klopstein, head of the Program Executive Office for Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (PEO OTTI), the Space Warfighter Operational Readiness Domain (SWORD) program represents a strategic investment in guardian readiness and space superiority.

SWORD is a distributed, cloud-based synthetic training environment designed to immerse Space Force personnel in realistic space warfare scenarios. The platform enables guardians to develop proficiency in critical operational domains including space domain awareness, satellite control networks, electronic warfare, and orbital warfare tactics. Initially piloted by the 392nd Combat Training Squadron, the program demonstrated its effectiveness during Space Flag exercises, where 380 guardians successfully trained on the platform in large-scale operations.

Klopstein outlined an ambitious modernization roadmap for SWORD that extends well beyond its current capabilities. The expanded vision includes higher-fidelity simulations, greater system integration, classification-level upgrades to accommodate sensitive defense systems, and geographically distributed access enabling guardians to train from any unit location. “We want to make it the right synthetic environment for whole units across the Space Force enterprise,” Klopstein stated, emphasizing the platform’s role in preparing the force for emerging space threats.

The Space Force’s acquisition strategy for SWORD reflects broader Pentagon reform initiatives. By leveraging Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO) and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) vehicles, PEO OTTI can rapidly integrate commercial innovations while maintaining security requirements. An OTA was awarded in September to a prime contractor with multiple subcontractors, though specific names remain undisclosed. Additionally, SWORD’s designation as a Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) program streamlines software development and procurement, enabling faster capability deployment.

This acquisition approach aligns with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent emphasis on commercial partnerships and procurement efficiency. “Bringing in the mentality that the Secretary has from an acquisition standpoint is a war-fighting imperative,” Klopstein emphasized, highlighting how modernized procurement methods directly support operational readiness.

The next 10-12 months will focus on developing comprehensive operational requirements that will guide SWORD’s enterprise deployment. This foundational work ensures the platform meets the evolving needs of space operators while maintaining technical rigor. As space becomes an increasingly contested domain, investments in realistic training environments directly impact the Space Force’s ability to maintain space superiority and protect critical national security interests.

Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764709486505-1076