ACE developed two complementary modelling tools that bolster the Ministry of Defence's rapid tactical decision-making abilities, balancing speed and complexity.
Impact: Faster scenario testing and improved decision confidence for the Ministry of Defence that will enhance mission impact by directly influencing field performance.
Modelling and simulations that stress-test military readiness and potential hostile scenarios are a critical part of providing an effective deterrent, ensuring UK military advantage.
Being able to quickly and accurately model deployment options is crucial for rapid tactical decision-making, but the Ministry of Defence (MoD) found a gap in its simulation arsenal.
An existing high-fidelity tool was too slow and resource-intensive for scenarios involving thousands of objects, but the low-fidelity version lacked sufficient detail for optimising capability planning and risk assessment.
A new model at pace
Enter the Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE). Traditionally, procurement in this area is slow and expensive, using large suppliers and rigid methods. This project broke that mould, bringing in smaller, innovative tech companies and using Agile delivery at pace through the ACE team for the first time.
To maximise collaboration, two supplier teams exploring different approaches ran in parallel using reinforcement learning. This sparked innovation by sharing learning as a step to producing medium fidelity tools that balance speed and complexity.
Ultimately, two complementary tools - NEMESIS and ARCUS - were developed within nine months - a process that would traditionally have taken years.
NEMESIS, a simulation and modelling environment for missile defence scenarios developed by suppliers ADSP and Riskaware, was developed beyond a minimum viable product to include enhanced features such as ballistic motion and intercept strategies.
ARCUS, meanwhile, was developed by a consortium of Skyral, Frazer-Nash Consultancy and Principle One. This agent-based simulation laboratory provides a visualisation and analytics layer for operational planning and enables real-time scenario exploration as well as integration with NEMESIS outputs. It also features improved user experience for analysts and decision-makers, reducing complexity in interpreting simulation data.
Collaborating to succeed
Collaboration was at the heart of delivery of both tools. Teams shared progress through in-person, end-of-sprint presentations, giving each other visibility and prompting fresh ideas. Regular user engagement sessions ensured feedback was built in early and often, keeping solutions tightly aligned with customer needs.
This approach has been a showcase for Agile in defence - delivering high value for money, faster results and far greater flexibility than traditional methods.
One supplier team has already been extended through to the end of the financial year for further iteration, and the MoD has been delighted with process and outcomes so far.
With strong collaboration, innovation from SMEs and empowered customer involvement, this project is setting a new benchmark for delivery in defence.
