Serco secures RAN synthetic warfare training contract

Posted on 12 January, 2026 by Advance 

Serco is expanding its contract to deliver maritime warfare training services to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) at HMAS Watson, Sydney and HMAS Stirling, WA - Australia’s Naval warfare training establishments.

Image courtesy Serco 

This renewed partnership with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) underscores Serco’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, mission-ready training solutions that align with RAN’s strategic objective to prepare officers and sailors to fight and win at sea. 

The successful rebid builds on Serco’s longstanding relationship with the RAN, dating back to 2003, and reflects the Navy’s confidence in Serco’s ability to deliver high-quality, technology-enhanced training that meets the evolving demands of modern maritime warfare. 

Serco’s solution integrates advanced simulation technologies and synthetic warfare environments to ensure Navy personnel are equipped for the complex scenarios they will face at sea. The training program harnesses the extensive expertise of our maritime warfare specialists, integrating immersive Navigation and Warfare simulations, AI-driven scenario planning, and real-time, software-enabled training solutions to elevate the operational readiness of Navy personnel. 

Central to this innovation is Serco’s strategic teaming arrangement with CAE, Sayres Australia, and JMC - a veteran-owned Australian SME. 

These partnerships bring together over 125 years of collective experience in defence training and technology: 

CAE contributes global expertise in synthetic warfare simulation. 
Sayres Australia drives forward-thinking approaches to training delivery and operational capability uplift. 
JMC delivers bespoke technology solutions and SME-led enhancements tailored to Navy needs. 

Andrew Head, Chief Executive Officer, Serco Asia Pacific, said this contract renewal reinforces Serco’s role as a trusted capability partner for Defence, delivering advanced training solutions that harness innovation to strengthen Australia’s maritime readiness: “By continuously investing in innovation and applying deep operational insight, we ensure Navy personnel are prepared for the evolving demands of modern conflict. Serco is committed to driving capability uplift and supporting the RAN in achieving its mission with confidence and precision."
 
David Astbury, General Manager for Defence at Serco Asia Pacific, said this contract renewal reflects the Royal Australian Navy’s continued trust in Serco and our partners to deliver world-class training solutions: “Together with CAE, Sayres Australia and JMC, we’re building a future-ready training ecosystem that combines deep expertise, advanced simulation technologies, and agile delivery to prepare Navy personnel for the complexities of modern maritime operations.” 

“We’re proud to support the Navy’s mission and play a role in shaping the next generation of officers and sailors. Through innovation and collaboration, we’re helping equip them with the confidence, capability and resilience needed to lead in an increasingly dynamic strategic environment.”