CESI to deliver next-generation Stinger Training Systems in $62M U.S. Army contract

The five-year production deal will see Cole Engineering Services, Inc. supply over 100 AI-powered training systems to support live force-on-force exercises.

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), part of By Light, has secured a $62 million production contract with the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO STRI). Under the agreement, CESI will provide more than 100 Stinger Training Systems (STS) over a five-year period.

Founded in 2004, CESI develops training and simulation solutions for U.S. military operations, supporting live, virtual, and constructive environments. Its portfolio spans serious games, wargaming, and cyber training.

The contract follows a successful prototyping phase and supports the Army’s Synthetic Training Environment (STE), specifically the Live Training Systems (STE-LTS) Increment 1. The new STS capability is intended to close training gaps in live force-on-force scenarios.

AI and optical tracking integrated into battlefield training

According to CESI, the STS platform integrates artificial intelligence and computer vision technology to support real-time engagement fidelity and battlefield simulation. The system is part of CESI’s broader suite of live training products, which support both direct and indirect fire scenarios.

“CESI brings battlefield precision to the training range, enabling warfighters to train with greater realism, agility, and trust in their systems,” says Thomas Fransson, senior vice president, simulation products and services at CESI.

The company states that STS replicates guided munition effects and integrates with existing Tactical Engagement Simulation Systems (TESS) and STE tools. Fielding will occur across Brigade Combat Teams and Combat Training Centers.

CESI expands AI efforts with new innovation hub

As part of the production contract, CESI will also provide lifecycle support and planned integration with future STE-LTS capabilities. The training technology is designed to align with the U.S. Army’s modernization goals in air defense artillery.

To support development of the STS and other defense projects, CESI’s parent company By Light has launched an AI Lab. The lab will focus on integrating machine learning and automated decision-making into cybersecurity and simulation platforms.

Fransson adds, “At the core of our STS solution is CESI’s commercial artificial intelligence and computer vision application that revolutionizes optical tracking and engagement fidelity.”