Lead visual: AI-generated illustration of cyber defence training.
ESI participates in CITADEL Range, a European Defence Fund project developing the next generation of capabilities for cyber defence training, exercises and mission rehearsal.
Coordinated by CR14 in Estonia, the project brings together industry, research and public-sector organisations. Partners include Airbus CyberSecurity, Airbus Defence and Space, Leonardo, Indra, Naval Group, Rheinmetall Electronics, Thales Belgium and Thales SIX GTS France.
More realistic and connected cyber exercises
CITADEL Range develops modular tools that complement existing cyber ranges. Its work spans AI-supported training, digital twins, shared scenario descriptions and cross-border exercises, including classified environments.
The project builds on achievements of ACTING, another European cyber-range initiative involving ESI. The 42-month collaboration runs from November 2025 to April 2029.
Explore CITADEL Range and ESI’s participation →
Sources: European Commission factsheet; AIT consortium profile; Starion project update, 21 January 2026.
CITADEL Range is co-funded by the European Union through the European Defence Fund, grant agreement No. 101224382. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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