Military training and simulation environments have reached a high level of fidelity in terrain representation, sensors, and effects. One critical element, however, often remains static: the adversary. As training increasingly supports capability development and doctrinal validation, more adaptive and analytically transparent adversary models are required. Our research and development is addressing these challenges – at ITEC 2026 in London, we will present how.
From Scripted to Adaptive: Integrating Self-Learning Red Forces into Existing Military Simulators
At ITEC 2026, Leon Bender from 21strategies will be presenting as part of the conference programme. The talk addresses how adaptive, self-learning adversary agents can overcome the limitations of traditional scripted OPFOR and be integrated into existing military simulators without replacing established infrastructures.
- Date: 16 April 2026
- Time: 11:30 – 12:00
- New Horizons Theatre
We will discuss how adaptive adversaries operate under uncertainty, generate emergent behaviors, and challenge assumptions in tactics and C2 processes, and how an evidence-based analytics layer can link engagement dynamics to training effectiveness.
The session focuses on architecture, interoperability, and governance rather than product promotion, and highlights how quantitative, auditable insights can support training design, doctrine development, and decision-making under uncertainty.
Meet Us at ITEC 2026
21strategies will be exhibiting at ITEC 2026 London – join us at our stand.
- Date: April 14-16, 2026
- Stand: R40
- ExCeL London, UK
In addition to the conference session, we invite attendees to visit us at Stand R40 to continue the discussion on adaptive OPFOR, data-driven training analytics, and future simulation architectures.
If you would like to arrange a stand visit or meeting in advance, please contact us.
ITEC 2026 with 21strategies
Moving from scripted to adaptive adversaries is a key step toward more realistic, resilient, and analytically grounded military training. By combining adaptive Red Forces with quantitative analytics, simulation can evolve into a continuous learning and improvement process. ITEC 2026 with 21strategies provides an ideal forum to explore these developments and exchange perspectives with the training, simulation, and defence community.
Photo credits: ITEC London / Clarion Events
