Defense

Why choose dSPACE for defense applications?

When it comes to mission-critical innovation, dSPACE is your trusted partner. As a technology leader in simulation and validation, we empower you to develop and test advanced control systems with confidence and speed.

Our open end-to-end tool chain covers every stage of development:

Rapid control prototyping (RCP) for fast concept validation
Model-, software-, and hardware-in-the-loop (MIL, SIL, HIL) for accurate system testing
Production code generation for certifiable, high quality, and platform optimized embedded software
Vehicle-in-the-loop (VIL) for ultimate flexibility and scalability

With dSPACE, you can accelerate innovation, reduce risk, and ensure your defense applications meet the highest standards of reliability and performance.

Talk to our team and get started.

Contact

Facilitating Your Success with dSPACE: The Benefits You Gain

Defense technology is evolving rapidly. Multi-domain operations (MDO) and software-defined defense (SDD) are shaping the future, with autonomous platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) as key drivers. With dSPACE, you have the tools to stay ahead.

Scalable CI/CD workflows with SIL and cloud-based validation accelerate development while maintaining control and traceability.

PC-based simulation for early-stage testing
Web-based orchestration for scenario-based, step-based, and data replay testing
Seamless integration into modern CI/CD pipelines, supporting continuous testing at scale

Sensor-realistic simulation to validate perception and sensor fusion in high-fidelity (virtual) environments.

Physics-based sensor simulation for cameras, radar, and lidar using Environment Sensor Interface (ESI) raw-data injection
Mission-realistic testing using over-the-air (OTA) methods, e.g., radar testing, without wired connections and without the need for sensor knowledge

Rapid control prototype development and real-time HIL simulation for embedded controllers up to complete vehicle systems, enabling reliable testing in a closed control loop.

Embedded- and vehicle-level prototyping for rapid iteration
Real-time HIL testing with comprehensive I/O support, ensuring deterministic behavior
Ideal for validating control algorithms, fail-safe behavior, and system integration

Models and scenario generation across all defense domains to build, simulate, and test localized and multi-domain operational scenarios.

Proven simulation models for powertrains, complete vehicles, stationary, and off-road applications, ranging from trucks and boats to aerial vehicles, manned or unmanned
Coverage across air, land, and sea
Flexible scenario generation supporting edge-case testing

Data-driven development (DDD) and AI enablement to accelerate the development of autonomous systems with data as a strategic asset.

A complete tool chain for accelerated autonomous success: data logging, management, scenario generation, and data replay testing
Synthetic training data generation for efficient training and validation of AI-based autonomous functions

How can dSPACE accelerate defense system development and improve operational readiness?

Integrated dSPACE solutions enable the early design, integration, and testing of classical and AI‑based embedded control systems well before real‑world testing and deployment. With both off‑the‑shelf products and customized turnkey solutions, you can reduce risk, shorten development cycles, and ensure mission readiness in complex operational environments.

Validate Autonomous Systems Faster with dSPACE Digital Twins

dSPACE tools let you create high fidelity digital twins of vehicles, sensors, and environments, providing a solid foundation for virtual development, verification, and testing. Simulate and test perception, decision making, and control algorithms for manned and unmanned systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), and unmanned surface vehicles (USV). With scalable simulation, SIL/HIL/VIL testing, and data driven workflows, you can efficiently validate complex autonomous functions and ensure reliable system performance under simulated or real world conditions.

Air: Advanced Simulation for Safety-Critical Systems

Build credible virtual environments for critical flight scenarios, from individual components to full system integration and “iron bird” rigs.

Flight control and actuation: closed-loop HIL testing with deterministic real-time models for maximum reliability
Avionics integration and data bus emulation: seamless avionics network simulation and end-system emulation using typical aerospace protocols such as MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, ARINC 664 / AFDX, and ARINC 825
UAV autonomy maturation: combine physically accurate sensor simulation with PC-based simulation for repeatable, scenario-based testing. Effortlessly scale from SIL to HIL to cloud
Counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) development: Sensor data fusion and real-time validation of system functions to detect, react, and protect

Land: Advanced Validation for Autonomous and Electrified Systems

Validate next-generation ground systems, from soft-soil and off-road vehicle dynamics to multi-sensor perception and system-of-systems integration.

Powertrain and electrified drivetrains: Use power HIL test benches for hybrid, or fully electric drivetrains. Emulate the inverter, motor, and battery to test at real electrical power levels, without rotating machinery.
From RCP to fleet-grade validation: Start with in-vehicle rapid control prototyping, then scale to HIL farms and cloud orchestration.
UGV and off-road autonomy: Test driverless autonomous missions in high-fidelity simulated environments with realistic terrain, soil, vegetation, weather, and lighting, including raw sensor data stimulation and repeatable scenarios.

Sea: Operational Validation Prior to Sea Trials

Bring realistic maritime conditions into the lab to validate propulsion, guidance, navigation, and control, long before hitting the water.

Function testing of shipboard propulsion systems: Simulate complete signal traffic and edge conditions for engine control units, including emergency shutdown logic, without powering the turbine.
HIL testing of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems: Perform closed-loop simulation of a broad variety of signals including global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) using sensor-realistic environments.
USV and marine autonomy: Validate perception, path-planning, and control algorithms for unmanned or optionally crewed vessels using scenario-based SIL, sensor-realistic HIL, and simulated maritime environments.
Harbor security: Use scenario generation to develop systems for protecting vessels, harbors, and nearshore and offshore critical infrastructure to prevent and counter attacks.

Cybersecurity: Detect Vulnerabilities. Eliminate Risks.

Without security, there is no safety. Modern defense systems require rigorous, continuous protection against constantly evolving cyber threats. Effective cybersecurity testing goes beyond detecting vulnerabilities. It enables organizations across all industries to proactively discover vulnerabilities in embedded systems before they can be exploited.

Integrate and scale security testing throughout the development lifecycle to ensure compliance with demanding industry standards and minimize costly late-stage findings.
Leverage customizable and flexible test case templates to accelerate large-scale exploratory testing and meet system-specific requirements.
Increase efficiency with automated security testing, reduce manual effort, and ensure continuous, repeatable, and comprehensive validation.

Consulting & Engineering Services

Developing complex E/E systems and software with ever more safety-critical functions, especially in the area of autonomous systems, raises the question of guaranteeing function reliability. That's why dSPACE offers end-to-end expertise in functional safety, test strategy development as well as verification and validation in complex E/E processes - to support you from the earliest project stages to homologation.

dSPACE systems are easy to get up and running – however, if a project is more complex, if individual solutions are needed or if there is high time pressure, you can also trust dSPACE's fast, competent and reliable engineering services.

DISCLAIMER

dSPACE is obliged to comply with the applicable export control and sanctions regulations of the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the United States of America, as well as with the relevant national export control and sanctions regulations.
We do not process any inquiries, offers, orders, or services:

from countries that are subject to restrictive measures/embargoes,
from persons, organizations, or end recipients who are listed on applicable sanctions lists, e.g., EU sanctions lists,
for prohibited end uses or end uses requiring authorization (in particular military end uses, where prohibited by law or where the required authorization has not been obtained).

Our website is internationally accessible and addresses users in different countries. This does not mean that we deliver to or provide services in all countries. Where required by law, we reserve the right not to process or forward requests. This notice applies to all companies of the dSPACE Group and is implemented across the Group.
Within the scope of legal compliance checks, including country, end-use, and end-recipient screening, we reserve the right to reject inquiries, not to submit any offers, or terminate business relationships if there are indications of a violation of export control or sanctions laws. Processing will take place only after successful completion of compliance screening. We reserve the right to grant any necessary approvals.