Starcom envisioning progress in the creation of a fresh training ground
Space Training and Readiness Command Advances Digital Training Environment
The Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) is making significant strides in its Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) initiative, with a focus on the development of the SWARM digital training environment and advanced high-end training environments.
Progress and Timeline
As of mid-2025, STARCOM has integrated the digital training environment called SWARM into tactical training exercises such as Space Flag. SWARM provides simulated threats and incorporates U.S. and allied capabilities, enabling operators to train against realistic adversarial tactics while using representative Space Force systems. The Space Force plans to upgrade SWARM by the end of 2025 to better simulate the complex space environment and its threats [1].
The fiscal 2026 budget request includes $141 million for building out a National Test and Training Complex featuring virtual capabilities, signalling substantial investment in expanding the digital infrastructure supporting operational testing and training [1].
Units are already executing readiness exercises using SWARM during Space Flag, demonstrating practical operational incorporation rather than just developmental stages [1].
SWARM vs. Joint Simulation Environment (JSE)
The Joint Simulation Environment, typically associated with joint service training, is a high-end virtual environment used by multiple branches for realistic combat training and experimentation with integrated joint forces.
STARCOM’s SWARM, on the other hand, is described as a space-focused digital training tool designed specifically to simulate space operational threats and tactics, targeting Space Force-specific requirements [1]. While both environments aim to provide realistic, integrated training against advanced threats, the SWARM platform is specialized for space domain training with unique simulation of space systems and adversaries. In contrast, the JSE provides a more generalized, cross-domain joint warfighting simulation [1].
Advanced High-End Training Environments
Beyond SWARM, STARCOM envisions a suite of advanced high-end training environments to provide realistic, threat-representative training. The budget and ongoing upgrades indicate steps toward creating a more robust virtual training infrastructure aligned with growing threats from near-peer competitors. However, specific details on other named high-end training environments or their individual progress are not publicly detailed as of mid-2025 [1].
Looking Ahead
STARCOM is actively addressing training gaps with an evolving digital environment, but its OTTI capabilities remain in development relative to older, more joint-integrated systems like JSE. Transitioning SWARM into the cloud, making it accessible anywhere, will happen within the next year to two years. The goal is to have SWARM ready by the end of the year [1].
STARCOM also intends to tap academia and industry to help develop advanced training capabilities. The Space Force urgently needs a distributed training capability, and the digital training environment, named SWARM, builds on the models used for STARCOM's Space Flag exercises [1].
This assessment is based on the latest available information from mid-2025 and reflects a rapidly changing space training landscape driven by strategic imperatives [1].
[1] Source: STARCOM's OTTI Initiative Progress Report, Mid-2025.
- The Space Force aims to upgrade the SWARM digital training environment by the end of 2025, improving its ability to simulate complex space threats and environments.
- Beyond the SWARM digital training environment, the Space Training and Readiness Command plans to create a suite of advanced high-end training environments, reflecting growing threats from near-peer competitors.
- To further enhance its digital training capabilities, the Space Force intends to collaborate with academia and industry to develop advanced training solutions, with a particular focus on creating a distributed training capability.
