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Serco has secured a renewed and expanded contract to deliver maritime warfare training for the Royal Australian Navy, strengthening the service’s use of advanced simulation and synthetic training environments.
The contract covers training services at HMAS Watson in Sydney and HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, the Navy’s principal maritime warfare training establishments. It follows a successful rebid process and extends Serco’s long-running partnership with the RAN, which began in 2003.
Under the renewed arrangement, Serco will provide technology-enabled training designed to prepare officers and sailors for the increasingly complex demands of modern naval operations. The program integrates advanced simulation systems and synthetic warfare environments to replicate realistic maritime scenarios.
Serco’s training solution combines immersive navigation and warfare simulations with artificial intelligence–enabled scenario planning and software-driven training tools. The approach is intended to enhance operational readiness by exposing Navy personnel to high-end, contested maritime environments before deployment.
The contract also formalises a strategic teaming arrangement between Serco and CAE Defence & Security – Indo-Pacific, Sayres Australia and Australian veteran-owned small business JMC. Collectively, the partners bring more than 125 years of experience in defence training and technology.
Serco Asia-Pacific chief executive Andrew Head said the contract renewal confirmed the company’s position as a trusted capability partner for Defence.
“This renewal reinforces Serco’s role in delivering advanced training solutions that harness innovation to strengthen Australia’s maritime readiness,” Head said. “By continuing to invest in new technologies and applying deep operational insight, we help ensure Navy personnel are prepared for the evolving demands of modern conflict.”
Serco Asia-Pacific general manager for Defence David Astbury said the outcome reflected the Navy’s confidence in Serco and its industry partners.
“Together with CAE, Sayres Australia and JMC, we are building a future-ready training ecosystem that combines deep expertise, advanced simulation technologies and agile delivery,” Astbury said. “We are proud to support the Navy’s mission and contribute to the development of the next generation of officers and sailors, equipping them with the capability and confidence required in an increasingly dynamic strategic environment.”
The expanded contract comes as the Royal Australian Navy continues to place greater emphasis on synthetic and simulation-based training to improve readiness while reducing pressure on operational platforms.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
