CAE joins SNC team as training systems partner for the Next-Gen Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) aircraft

CAE today announced that CAE Defense & Security has been awarded a contract by global aerospace and defense company SNC to support training for the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) contract with the U.S. Air Force.

As a vital member of the SAOC program team, CAE will deliver a next-generation training system to support future U.S. Air Force aircrews and maintainers. Leveraging decades of design, development and sustainment expertise, CAE delivers solutions from high-fidelity devices through virtual reality tools to effectively train aircrew and maintainers.

"We are proud to collaborate on this critical program to deliver advanced training systems that enhance mission readiness," said Matt Bromberg, CAE, President and CEO. "Drawing on decades of military and commercial expertise, we are confident that our training solution will meet the complexity and strategic importance of the SAOC program."

In 2024, SNC was awarded the multi-billion-dollar SAOC contract to modernize and deliver the replacement for the USAF's current E-4B "Nightwatch" fleet. This highly specialized aircraft serves as an airborne command center, ensuring uninterrupted command, control and communications for the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during national emergencies.

"With the strength of our industry team, we're building a platform and a training ecosystem designed for mission success," said Jon Piatt, EVP of SNC's IAS business area. "Our collaboration with CAE reflects our shared commitment to delivering a tailored and innovative solution that advances readiness for the U.S. Air Force and Joint Staff mission."

CAE has already initiated the Training Systems Requirement Analysis and made strategic investments in key capabilities to support a seamless transition from the E-4B to the E-4C platform. These efforts are designed to accelerate delivery and ensure alignment with program schedule milestones.

"CAE is committed to advancing the training system in parallel with the aircraft development," said Merrill Stoddard, Division President for CAE Defense & Security, USA. "Working with the SAOC team, we look to deliver a solution that is as advanced and adaptable as the platform itself."

Today, the SNC-led SAOC team brings together global industry, aerospace, and defense leaders, including Collins Aerospace, GE Aerospace, Greenpoint Technologies Inc., Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, NIAR, Rolls-Royce and now CAE. This team of trusted, high-performing partners leverages deep expertise to deliver next-generation capabilities with disciplined speed, innovation, and engineering excellence, ensuring the successful recapitalization of the aging E-4B fleet.